What do I love about long walks? There’s no way of knowing what you’d come across along the way. And if you keep your eyes peeled, nature can put on quite a show. I guess, that’s where we learned what ‘ornate‘ means.
We’d walked for hours in the secluded forests of Nameri National Park. And although, our guide and couple of other nature enthusiasts were all we had for company – we knew the forest hid more than it showed. We’d hear more than we could see. Occasionally, we’d be lucky to chance upon something that moved.
In Japan, nature and concrete roads co-exist beautifully. After covering a long day exploring Tokyo, I wanted to call it a day. And then, we came across this flaming red tree. OK. So it wasn’t exactly burning. But, in the evening light of the sun, every leaf looked as if it had been set on fire.
I don’t endorse zoos. After spending a couple of hours exploring the cathedral, my nephew needed something to keep him going. And that’s how we ended exploring the local zoo. I was pleasantly surprised at the wide variety of wildlife. After which, I didn’t mind the walk as much.
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. … There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”
—Rachel Carson, Silent Spring
love this picture of huge tree with ochre- yellow shade leaves, clicked in Japan!
Thanks Arv! It’s one of our favourite shots. 🙂
🙂
Yes! Nature inspires and is so full of extravagant design 😊 beautiful examples here, especially that last most exotic looking bird. Any idea what it is?
My best guess would be (male) guinea fowl! I was hoping that someone would help me with the name. 🙂
Thanks! Got it – vulturine guinea fowl. Mad about it’s gorgeous blue toned stripes. Handsome bird!
Thanks! This trip was two years back and my memory was foggy. I love the deep shade of blue. It’s beautiful!
Beautiful post and a great reminder to keep our eyes open💕
Thanks Seonaid! 🙂
My pleasure💕
🙂
absolutely loved the tree! 🙂 Nature and serendipity go hand in hand 🙂
You know, the closest that we’ve seen a similar tree in India would be the Gulmohar tree. In May, it’s flaming red. 🙂
This is such a lovely post, words and photos. Love the shot of the bird, well spotted and wonderful touch of bokeh. And the tree really does look like it’s on fire. That quote by Carson is really meaningful. So true how predictable the day can be…and also unpredictable at the same time. I suppose it’s a matter of looking at the big and small pictures, so to speak.
Hopefully your nephew had a good day 🙂
Thanks so much Mabel! I can always trust you to read till the end. 🙂 My nephew seemed to have a drastic change in spirits at the zoo. He was transformed from a bored, sleepy boy into a boy who had found his home.
And I am sure all the animals at the zoo were eager to see him. There’s always something fascinating about watching animals, another species, at the zoo whether we are young or old 🙂
Have you ever wondered how animals perceive us? 🙂 I think they might find us strange and wonder why are we peering and watching them. That’s an interesting thought! Personally, I prefer animals in the wild, in their natural habitat. The thrill of being being closed doors and they – out there in the open is fascinating.
You have amazing nature photos over here. Great quote too. Have a great week!
Marianne
Thanks so much Marianne! 🙂