Lens Artist photo challenge #120, hosted by Tina : What is a treat for you.
Life is such a roller coaster ride. The ups and downs give us highs and pull us down at times. In between there are plenty of tiny moments or treats that delight us. A series of such memorable moments make life beautiful 🙂
The shimmering velvety sea
relaxes under the gentle rays of the sun
wisps of clouds stray in the canopy of blue
the endless horizon lost in a reverie
listening to the tales of the zephyr
the fresh ocean scent lingers on
slumbering waves, in its sapphire robe
embrace the shore, kissing it
A panoramic vista of serenity
envelopes a sense of calm
opening the gateway to paradise!
In response to Tuesday photo challenge #161, by Dutch goes the photo.
Prompt : Vista
Recently we visited Cinque Terre, the once isolated string of 5 fishing villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso) on the rugged Italian coastline, which today is a popular tourist place. Still maintaining its quaint old world charm, it boasts of some spectacular views of the Mediterranean sea, from atop the cliff. The best way to explore these villages once you get off the train, is by foot. It is dotted with tiny cafes, hiking trails, small vineyards. The houses perched on the steep landscapes, with their vibrant colors make it a visual delight.
Theme – ** Kaleidoscope of thoughts**
Hooray! Its holiday season and we are off on vacation. Don’t we all very eagerly wait for them? Vacations give us a break from our routine and help us refresh ourselves. For kids there are no rules for getting up early in the morning, going to school, to complete their homework or study. For parents there is no 9 o’clock call or meeting 😉
Oh, what fun it is to be able to spend time according to one’s wish! A holiday is a perfect time to feel as snug as a bug in a rug!
Vacations have a charm to it. Hearing the name itself lights up one’s face. The excitement on deciding the place, where to stay, how to travel makes it to the rounds of discussions. But these days thanks to the plethora of information and options available at the press of a few keys, the task is a child’s play. Then packing, what to take and what not, actually takes up more of our time 😉
Exploring the place, hanging out with friends, tasting the local cuisines, clicking infinite pictures, buying souvenirs and shopping, the list just doesn’t end.
There is magic to explore. Be it the mesmerising mountains, or the beauty of the warm beaches, the adrenaline high for the adventure lovers, the serenity for the mystical spiritual seekers, the walk through the forest for those who want to be close to nature and wildlife. No matter what place you choose, a vacation always helps you detox, destress and rejuvenate.
Taking unlimited pictures are definitely the highlight of any vacation. Outdoor, indoors, in different moods and poses, ever ready for that Kodak moment. Many seasons later those beautiful pictures narrate a nostalgic story bringing us many smiles and memories!
Which has been your best vacation so far?
Some people are born lucky, some with a silver spoon, some are blessed with a gift of the gab, while a few have an intellectual chip in their brain yet others are bestowed with good looks .
I do not warrant an introduction. I am the universal darling of the masses! People all around the world adore me and always look forward to my arrival.
My name has a special significance. I guess, at the time of my birth, the planetary positon of my stars were in a perfect sync with the astrological charts, which explains my acclaim and fame. My name means:
Fun, feast, happiness, relaxation, rejuvenation…
At the mere mention of my name, I see a twinkle in the eyes, the face lights up to a perfect smile and the excited mind sets out to chalk out an itinerary of ideas. Be it the young or the old, I am a hot favourite with all. I am the most pampered among all my siblings. They all envy my status, specially my immediate junior. My personality calls for a celebration with family and friends over a feast. I spell a sense of glee among the youngsters hanging out with friends. Did you know that many find me therapeutic too? I give a much needed refresher and breather to tired working feet and minds from their relentless rut, to unwind and relax. I am sure you all agree with me that a healthy body and mind make a healthy living. So, I use my magic potion to wipe away the rust accumulated during the week. I detox and declutter their minds and homes and infuse them with positive energy.
Seriously I revel in all the fanfare, adulation, and attention showered on me. I have been voted the most popular and preferred personality of the universe. No prizes for guessing my name…….
I am a SUNDAY 🙂 :-)…….I can see you break into a smile at the mention of my name, am I right?
Image courtesy : fotosearch.com
Suprabhatam, Swagatam to God’s own country – Kerala. That’s where we went on a holiday some time back. Nestled among the mystical mountains and serene evergreen forest of the Western Ghats of Kerala, it is the amalgam of 3 rivers. It is a hill station located in the Idukki district of Kerala at a height of 5200 feet above sea level. Sprawling tea plantations, scenic beauty, winding roads and great holiday facilities make it a popular resort town. Can you guess the name of the place we went to? Yes, this beautiful place is Munnar!
From Madurai Airport we took a cab to reach Munnar. After driving for over an hour from Madurai, the landscape started to paint a different picture. Tall coconut trees and green fields gave way to twists and turns of the winding roads, up the hill. With each turn nature was unraveling a different facet of its beauty. I went on clicking spree to capture the charisma of nature’s creation. It was breathtakingly beautiful. As we reached higher we could see the clouds waft all around us. They felt as soft as fluffy cotton balls. A long 3.5 hour drive later found us at our resort. Soon a blanket of mist engulfed the place as if dancing along with the cool breeze. We could hear the sound of insects, the birds chirping and the water fall in the background. A stark contrast from the chaotic city landscape, the natural charm of the place felt surreal. With hot cup of tea we sat and soaked in the scenic beauty of our surroundings.
The next few days just flew by as we set out to savour the beauty of the place. Waterfalls, mountain peaks, speed boating, trekking, visit to the spice garden, tasting the local cuisine and shopping, it was sheer fun. The highlight was the visit to the tea factory and museum. We saw the entire journey of the tea leaves from the plantation through the different process it undergoes before finally coming into our homes. I learnt a lot about the humble cup of tea.
The lush green tea plantations, the aroma of the spice garden, the charming exotica of Mother Nature, the magnificent mountains, the rambling water falls, and the serene lakes all made it a picture perfect place. The quintessential charm of Munnar rejuvenated our spirits. We headed back to base carrying with us myriad memories filled with happiness and peace etched in hearts forever. ❤ 🙂
Sharing some of the pictures from the trip.
radhikasreflection 