Photograph
Photograph of the day – Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
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On a trip to Muscat, I could not miss the Grand Mosque. As the sun shone down on the Mosque, the building looked majestic in its finely cut Indian sandstone with 160 feet high central dome. It was certainly a celebration to mark the 30 years the Sultan had reigned. Inside, I could not but stand in wonderment of the huge Islamic architecture chandelier hanging over the men’s prayer hall. Walking around more, I found myself talking to an amiable volunteer who gave me a copy of the Quran, a CD, and other information. He was helpful to explain his religion and answer my questions. If you are in Muscat, this is a must-see.
As the sun goes down on 2021, and the sun rises for 2022..Happy New Year.
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To some give perspective on the picture, we drove out of Muscat down route 15 admiring the immense Oman mountain landscape as it towered over us in our little car. The route took us to Nizwa Fort. However, we had to stop to admire how the sun shone over the mountains.
Photograph of the day – Khao Yai Bats
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On a trip in the national park of Khao Yai in central Thailand, we were told of the river of bats that stream out of the side of the mountain at night to eat. Duly fascinated, we drove from our rented cabin in the park to the destination not too far away. We parked the car and made out the way by foot along a dirt track to the base of the mountain then stood and waited in one of the many manioc fields. As we looked up at the side of the mountain, we could see that there were holes/caves where apparently the bats would come from. The best time to see the bats we were told was dusk. The sunset anticipation and excitement were increasing. In what appeared to be the start of the bats exiting the cave, we thought we had seen what we came for as a trickle of bats appeared. People started to point and shout. However, suddenly thousands upon thousands of the bats emerged to hunt the flying insects in the late day sky as the sun went down. We stood there in amazement as the snake-like movement of all the bats closely packed together weaved its way across the Khao Yai twilight. It is a sight not to be missed.
Photograph of the day – Khon Khaen at dusk
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What can be more idyllic than walking around Thailand’s Khon Khaen city lake at dusk watching the sun go down past Nong Waeng Temple? The peace and tranquility of the moment was not hard to find. What was more was the Thai people all coming out from where they had been at twilight to create a communal spirit which seems hard to find these days. Couples, families, friends, and joggers made their way around the circumference of the lake all happily doing their own thing, making conversation with each other. I recommend a leisurely stroll. Hopefully, you build up a hunger as Khon Kaen night market will then deliver a culinary treat.
Does a picture speak a thousand words? My challenge in Dubai!
So, after my last photos and being a “budding photographer”, I thought I would try to get some interesting photos that were a little different as I strolled around Dubai albeit for short periods due to the immense heat. I popped back into the mall to get a drink quite quickly. These were created on my phone, so some of the quality was lost I feel, but hopefully, they get people creating thoughts and questions.
A solid concrete block that sits in the desert sun is maybe there for life. It’s strong and relatively immovable. Is it a metaphor for ‘Long Lies 4 Longevity’? I am always thinking of those pictures that get the students talking. I am using my iPad in my class, and some of these pics will look good mirrored onto the screen. The test is to see what the students think. Do they recognise Dubai Mall? They can not miss the 829.8 m high Burj Khalifa towering over the Dubai skyline. When was it built and is it still the highest structure in the world?
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