My pictures with their little stories

Monsoon clouds over Pune skyline To see this out of the window first thing in the morning was enough to make me high. Fresh coffee was incidental. For a change, dark clouds brought hope and cheer and elevated the mood like nothing else can do.

Rhododendron in Pine Forest I did not find rhododendron flowers to be very attractive but surely their bright red clusters created a nice visual contrast to an otherwise green background of bushes, trees and forests - all in different shades of green. That is where they stood out.

Twilight at a beach in Kokan Apart from the usual good seasons to go, we have been driving into Kokan  region just before the monsoon arrives. The good thing this does is that you see lots of clouds pass by, great colours in the sky and surely some rains at least on the return trip. Experienced this fantastic play of colours at a beach near Guhagar . Within a span of just over an hour and a half, the creator or whoever gave us a glimpse of what he is capable of. Unleashed an array of colours, a riot almost but this one was supremely divine, soothing and introspective. I did not feel like getting into the water as this might have disturbed the beautiful series of paintings that were being flipped in front of us.

Remote village in Spiti Villages such as Langza and Gomic in Spiti are tiny and remote. They are inaccessible when it snows. Despite harsh conditions, the spirit of the people is indomitable. 

Craft bazaar at Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) When you descend from the green cover at Taktsang ( Tiger's Nest ), there is this open space with local vendors selling all kinds of craft and accessories. Noticed a tall white woman who seemed to be straight from a Hollywood Western film. Even had the same swagger. Very peculiar personality.

Ceremonial chanting at Gangtey Gonpa A ten day festival commenced on the same day as we reached Gangtey in Phobjikha valley. We were fortunate to witness part of the colourful ceremony and chanting by the monks who are residents at the Gangtey monastery . We were welcome to see around and offered much needed tea in the evening.

Drinking Ara at Gangtey, Bhutan The stay at Gangtey in Phobjikha valley was at a local house which belonged to Kelzang Dawa who is a wood carver and his hard working wife Killey Zam who manages the house with three sons and cooks meals for the guests. Amenities were basic but I parked myself in the large kitchen and dining area where I chatted with all the family members and played with kids while sipping homemade Ara , which is a local brew made from fermented wheat.