Kuang Si Falls

From the entry of Kuang Si Park we can walk through a forested area where there are enclosures housing Asian black bears rescued from poachers.

At the very bottom of the falls there are several blue pools of water and small cascades (3-5 metres high); some of the falls are multi-tiered. Most of the pools are open for swimming (one is closed as being a sacred site) though the water is a bit cold because this area is shaded by big trees. This makes the falls a popular cool-off place among locals and tourists alike during the hot season.

Kuang Si Falls - Luang Prabang - Laos

There are also trails to climb to the top of the falls where there are more natural pools for swimming. The trails are steep and can be extremely slippery, especially in rainy season…

 If you climb up to the top at the left hand side (of the entrance) trails you’ll arrive at a huge and very impressive pool and its source. At the top you actually cross the top of the falls and this is a great place to get a good view down.

End of the trail... from here up is through the water..

... to get to the top!

With a tripod and lots of time and pacience, beautiful images could be taken from here.

But we were here to climb the falls  and so we did, straight to the top. The cameras had to be stored inside the bags and I was really  scared a couple of times during the process but it was well worth the effort,  after all.

The view ....

... and the shower! :)

Living...

...  with animals can be a wonderful experience, especially if we choose to learn the valuable lessons animals teach through their natural enthusiasm, grace, resourcefulness, affection and forgiveness.

 - Richard H. Pitcairn, Veterinarian

Hallstatt

Situated in the south-western shore of the Hallstätter See, the town lies in the geographical region of Salzkammergut, on the national road linking Salzburg and Graz.

Hallstatt - Austria

Salt was a valuable resource, so the region was historically very wealthy. It is possible to tour the world's first known salt mine, located above downtown Hallstatt.

Hallstatt is a popular tourist attraction owing to its small-town appeal and can be toured on foot in ten minutes..

Until the late 19th century, it was only possible to reach Hallstatt by boat or via narrow trails. The land between the lake and mountains was sparse, and the town itself exhausted every free patch of it. Access between houses on the river bank was by boat or over the upper path, a small corridor passing through attics. The first road to Hallstatt was only built in 1890, along the west shore, partially by rock blasting.

“There is nothing like walking to get the feel of a country. A fine landscape is like a piece of music; it must be taken at the right tempo. Even a bicycle goes too fast.”

Paul Scott Mowrer

Life ...

... is the flower of which Love is the honey!

Let ...

... your smile change the world;

But don't let the world change your smile!!

Have a great weekend! :)

Throw...

Salzburg - Austria

 

..... your heart over the fence and the rest will follow!

~ Norman Vincent Peale

 

 

The difference

The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.
Henry Van Dyke

Bangkok, City of Angels

The word "Wat" in Thai means a Buddhist temple and amongst the more than 3,000 Wats in Thailand, "the Temple of the Dawn" is one of the most important.

"Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan" to give the temple it's full name, abbreviated to Wat Arun for short. Wat Arun was dedicated to the Indian God of Dawn, Aruna, the temple is aptly called "the Temple of the Dawn" because of the irridescent reflection of the sun on it's surface in the early morning. However, the Wat is best viewed in early evening as the sun sets.

The Temple of the Dawn

The Wat consists of a central "prang" with four smaller "prangs" at the four corners of the central "prang". A "prang" is a spire that towers the Wat. Religious-wise, spires were a favorite architectural detail as it express man’s quest to reach out to their gods and heavens.

The main "prang" is approximately 100 meters tall and heavily decorated by bits of porcelain which came from the porcelain ballasts used by Chinese traders. The "prang’s" uniquely blended Thai and Khmer architecture is a sight to behold.

The temple’s main prang is said to be a representation of Mount Meru, the center of the world in Buddhist philosophy. The four lesser prangs represent the four elements: "air, water, wind and fire". One of the smaller prangs has the sculpture of the god of wind, Pai.The main center prang has in its top a seven-thronged trident, the trident of Shiva, the supreme god in Hinduism. 

The Law of the Universe

"Whatever the situation or circumstances in your life, focus on appreciating and being grateful for all the good that is happening. When you love your life as it is, then Life will give you the life that you love. It is the Law of the Universe."

 - Dr Jeff Mullan II

Easter

Hope you have an Easter holiday that turns out egg-xactly the way you want. :)

A symbol of the Age of Discovery

Belém Tower

Built in 1515 as a fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon's harbor, the Belem Tower was the starting point for many of the voyages of discovery, and for the sailors it was the last sight of their homeland.





It is a monument to Portugal's Age of Discovery, often serving as a symbol of the country, and UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage monument.

Built in the Manueline style, it incorporates many stonework motifs of the Discoveries, sculptures depicting historical figures such as St. Vincent and an exotic rhinoceros that inspired Dürer's drawing of the beast.

The architect, Francisco de Arruda, had previously worked on Portuguese fortifications in Morocco, so there are also Moorish-style watchtowers and other Moorish influences. Facing the river are arcaded windows, delicate Venetian-style loggias, and a statue of Our Lady of Safe Homecoming, a symbol of protection for sailors on their voyages.

It is a reminder of the great maritime discoveries that laid the foundations of the modern world.