Haveli Ornate sandstone carvings. Images taken in numerous merchant Havelis in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India. Havelis are large traditional townhouses with ornate sandstone carvings often built by wealthy merchants in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh, usually with historical and architectural significance. Some havelis are many hundreds of years old. In Jaisalmer there are many elaborate havelis carved from yellow sandstone. Some of these have many floors and countless rooms, with decorated windows, archways, doors and balconies. Some havelis are today museums but most in Jaisalmer are still lived in by the families that built them. Among these is the Vyas haveli which was built in the 15th century, which is still occupied by the descendants of the original builders. Another example is the Shree Nath Palace which was once inhabited by the prime minister of Jaisalmer. Some of the doors and ceilings are notable examples of old carved wood from many hundreds of years ago. See also Portfolio > Architecture
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The universe is full of magical things and one of the most beautiful things we can experience is the mysteries of nature. For our deepest roots are in nature. Go outside, and taste the beauty of the wild, The forests, mountains, lakes, rivers. Behold the miracle of the earth. These images are an expression of this experience. Taken in various locations, some close to home in the few natural spaces we have left and some further afield with plants and trees of a more exotic nature. The words and quotes here, credited to the author where possible, are of a sentiment I relate to deeply. ‘When the last tree is cut, the last fish is caught, and the last river is polluted; … and the last stream poisoned, you will realise that you cannot eat money’ – Native American proverb State of the Planet > The Pope’s Challenge on Climate Change > excerpt: We cannot have a sense of communion with nature if we cannot care for our fellow human beings. The earth was created by God for all, writes the pope, so in protecting the earth, we must also protect the rights of the poor and […]
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Taken in the various countries which use these vehicles as regular modes of transport. Namely India, Nepal & Southeast Asia Auto rickshaws are a common means of public transportation in many countries in the world. Also known as a three-wheeler, samosa, tempo, tuk-tuk (in Thailand), trishaw, autorick, bajaj (in India), rick, tricycle, mototaxi, baby taxi, lapa or tukxi (Piaggio Appe Calessino) in popular parlance, an auto rickshaw is a usually three-wheeled cabin cycle for private use and as a vehicle for hire. It is a motorized version of the traditional pulled rickshaw or cycle rickshaw. Auto rickshaws are an essential form of urban transport in many developing countries, and a form of novelty transport in many developed countries. However, in some parts of Europe they remain an essential mode of transportation, notably Italy. See also Portfolio > Vehicles
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Taken in the various countries where the climate lends itself to this type of transport. Namely, Italy, Spain, India, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia & Morocco Vespa (Italian pronunciation: [ˈvɛspa]) is an Italian brand of scooter manufactured by Piaggio. The name means wasp in Italian. The Vespa has evolved from a single model motor scooter manufactured in 1946 by Piaggio & Co. S.p.A. of Pontedera, Italy—to a full line of scooters and one of seven companies today owned by Piaggio See also Portfolio > Vehicles
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Taken in the various countries throughout my travels Cycle tracks will abound in Utopia. ~ H.G. Wells When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Here was a machine of precision and balance for the convenience of man. And (unlike subsequent inventions of man’s convenience) the more he used it, the fitter his body became. Here, for once was a product of man’s brain that was entirely beneficial to those who used it, and of no harm or irritation to others or the planet. Progress should have stopped when man invented the bicycle. ~ Elizabeth West “In Mendrisio I felt the exhilaration of what the bikes has to offer. It’s a simple machine that conjures a vast mix of emotions. I can evoke the senses and raise the spirits of people who watch. For those who ride it can seem like the perfect vehicle for transport. For those who race there’s no better sensation that being on top of your gear making mountains feel like flat roads. Cycling throws up plenty of obstacles, unknown territory, high speed split second considerations. Where to next? What’s around the next corner? Who cares! You’re flyin’!” ~ Cadel Evans on winning the world championships […]
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Taken in various buddhist temples and places of worship throughout India & Nepal A prayer wheel is a cylindrical wheel (Tibetan: འཁོར་) on a spindle made from metal, wood, stone, leather or coarse cotton. Traditionally, the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is written in Sanskrit on the outside of the wheel. Also sometimes depicted are Dakinis, 8 auspicious symbols. At the core of the cylinder is a “Life Tree” often made of wood or metal with certain mantras written on or wrapped around it. Many thousands (or in the case of larger prayer wheels, millions) of mantras are then wrapped around this life tree. The Mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is most commonly used, but other mantras may be used as well. According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition based on the lineage texts regarding prayer wheels, spinning such a wheel will have much the same meritorious effect as orally reciting prayers.
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