April_2015
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Deceptive Colors
The golden rays of the rising sun together with the fog hanging low over the river creates a magical effect, the reality however is less magical. Acting has a dump for all sorts. These Indian rivers no longer hold the cleansing power but need to be cleansed themselves. On the bank of the river Yamuna, in Agra. April 1st, 2015.
DeceptiveColorsYamunaAgraIndiaSwachhBharatSunriseDawnWinterFotoDuneApril1st2015
DepartingSky
The dense fog on a winter morning has a magical effect on Taj Mahal and its surroundings. It’s as if the sky had come down to earth to rest by the banks of river Yamuna. As the sun gets stronger the sky starts to depart. April 3rd, 2015.
DepartingSkyApril2ndFotoDuneTaj MahalYamunaAgra FortAgraIndiaWinterMorning
Rush
The brute force of machine interacting with stillness of nature... Does it add to or disturb the beauty is upto you to decide! April 4th, 2015.
RushFotoDuneApril4thSnowWinterSwedenLaplandNatureInteractionMachine And Nature
Prima Mattina
Since my road trip around Italy is coming to an end today, I have decided to post this picture. I took this picture during my last visit to Italy. The picture is set in the small town of Varano De' Melegari. The day starts very early in these farmlands. As you see, the first tractors tilling the soil even before sunrise. April 5th, 2015.
PrimaMattinaFotoDuneApril5thLandscapeItalySummerSunriseFarmland
ShadowPines
During my 4 week stay in Sweden I wanted to experience the northern lights. However as my luck would have it, the weather would never permit it. This was one of the days where I waited for the polar lights on the peak Vittjåkk in Arvidsjaur. Making most of the situation, I took this snap as the clouds swept past the peak. April 6th, 2015.
SpiritualSilence!
This image was taken in Süleymaniye cami, the largest mosque in the city of Istanbul. The mosque is buzzing with locals during prayer hours or with tourists. In absence of both, the immense structure of the mosque and its surreal lighting provides the perfect ground if you are trying to get closer to your god or your inner self! April 7th, 2015.
Spiritual SilenceFotoDuneApril7thHistorical LandmarksPeopleMosqueSüleymaniyeIstanbulTurkey
YpsilonGeneration
I dedicate this image to the Y generation, the generation that has carried the baton and has revolutionized the connected world that we live in today. From the Silicon Valley in United State, where innovative platforms triggered a wave of idea generation across the globe, to the modern day revolutions taking place in Africa, Middle east, Asia, Europe or US itself, are extensively making use of this platform. There is no doubt that we live in turbulent times, but the desire for change has never been greater. April 8th, 2015.
YpsilonGenerationY GenerationFotoDuneApril8thHistorical LandmarksPeopleLandscapelightnightreflectionReflectingPoolLincoln MemorialCapitolHillUnited States CapitolWashington MonumentWashington DCUSAFreedom
Kitchen on Wheels
Istanbul has a thriving street food culture. You can literally eat your way through the city. While you do so, you have several options:
Kestane & Mısır:
Roasted Kestane (chestnuts) are one of the most common street snacks in Istanbul. You will also find roasted misir(corn) served side by side.
Simit:
The circular sesame-crusted bread, is iconic in Istanbul’s. It is inexpensive and a morning and tea time staple.
Çay:
Çay(pronounced chai, is tea in Turkish) together with Raki(anise-flavored spirit) and Nargile(water pipe), form the center of Turkish Social discourse. Three rules of Çay, never say no to çay, any time is the right time to have çay... day-or-night, and any location is right location to have çay.
Nar suyu:
Is freshly squeezed pomegranate juice which is served by hundreds of vendors in Istanbul.
Mussels:
Mussels stuffed with rice, raisins and herbs, are a popular sea food delicacy. The way mussels are displayed looks unique. They are split open to make a spoon out of the shell and served by seasoning it with freshly squeezed lemon.
The other famous street foods are Rice, Çiğ Köfte, Lokma, Balık Ekmek, Poğaca / Açma.FotoDuneApril9thKitchenWheelsPeopleStreetsStreetfoodFood cartsTurkeyIstanbulTravelStreet foodStreet Photography
Star Gazing at a Star!
This image captures the statue of Castor holding the Horse and gazing at the star. This statue of Castor together with the statue of his twin brother Pollux (together popularly known as Gemini) flank the elegant Cordonata staircase that lead to the Piazza del Campidoglio on the Capitoline Hill. A monumental equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius sits at the center of the piazza and the Palazzo Senatorio forms the background. The piazza, the Cordonata staircase and the renovation of the Palazzo Senatorio was designed by Michelangelo. April 10th, 2015.
Stars Gazing at a StarFotoDuneApril10thCastorPolluxGeminiCordonataPiazza del CampidoglioCapitoline HillPalazzo SenatorioRomansRoman EmpireRomeItaly
Buzzing through Istanbul!
Standing on the Valens Aqueduct and enjoying the panoramic view of the city of Istanbul while the motorist buzz past in the street beneath you. To the right we have the largest mosque in Istanbul, Süleymaniye Camii. It is located on the Third Hill of Istanbul and overlooking the district of Beyoğlu across the Golden Horn. In the distance, behind the district of Beyoğlu you see the high rises of modern-day Şişli district. A path to modernity grounded in history and culture. April 11, 2015.
Buzzing through IstanbulFotoDuneApril11thSüleymaniye CamiiSüleymaniyeHistorical LandmarksLandscapeFathiBeyoğluŞişliIstanbulTurkeyTravelValens AqueductWorld HeritageUNESCO
Crossing Paths!
This shot was taken on the beautiful beaches of Gokarna, Karnataka, India. Located towards the south of Goa, a popular tourist destination, Gokarna’s white sandy beaches are still relatively non-commercialized. This is the point where the Western Ghats which run parallel to the western coast meets the Arabian Sea. The hills are covered with thick rain forest and in the presence of just the sound of ocean and wind greeting you, this location provides the perfect spot for those who want to discover their innerself or get lost in the music of ocean.
Crossing PathsFotoDuneApril12thLandscapeGokarnaKarnatakaIndiaTravelBeaches
Out of a Postcard.
I came across this beautiful farm house during my drive from Montelchino to Montepulciano, Siena, Tuscany. If you go to a post card shop in this region there will be hardly any postcard shop without a picture of this house. I have however tried to bring out its scruffy side.
Out of a PostcardFotoduneApril13thMontelchinoMontepulcianoSienaTuscanyItalyLandscape
The Time Explorer
I met this time explorer in Agra railway station. His whole life packed into a cotton sack he was traveling light. With a stick, a food box and a blanket to keep him warm in the chilly North Indian winters. Sitting there on a empty platform awaiting something. It made me wonder what he was waiting for. Where he was heading? What he was exploring?
The Time ExplorerFotoduneApril14thRailwayTrainsIndianTrainsRailwayStationAgraUPIndiaTravel
The Setup.
Galata Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey starts buzzing with activity early in the morning. Older men start arriving on the bridge and start setting up their fishing gear with great care. Once the setup is complete and the fly is flung into the Golden horn, the wait begins. This provides a perfect socializing opportunity as they sip tea and chat away, until their fishing rods start to wiggle. In this picture you see the man during his setup ritual. April 15th, 2015.
The SetupFotoDuneApril15thPeopleStreet PhotographyFishingGalata BridgeIstanbulTurkeySunriseMorning
Raining Lemons!
You are looking at the beautiful Costiera Amalfitana (Amalfi Coast), in the province of Salerno, Campania, southern Italy. This shot has been taken from the town of Ravello, a UNESCO world Heriotage site since 1996. Down the steep stepped slopes of Ravello is the town of Minori, it is the site of the well-preserved ruins of a Roman villa. This region is very famous for Limoncello, lemon liqueur. The Limoncello comes from the lemon plants that cover the steps carved into the steep slopes in this region. You will be able to get your hands on Limoncello in the shops or restaurants in town. My recommendation to experience it would be, to try homemade Limoncello and sip it while you sit in one of the Lemon gardens. The narrow serpentine streets make their way through the villages, cliffs and lemon gardens. The small Italian cars indeed feel very much at home on these streets. However, the shortest way and more often the quickest way to get to your destination is by foot as you navigate through the maze of staircase that are built or carved into these cliffs. It literally feels like you are on a Snakes & Ladders board, only minus the sankes. April 16th, 2015.
Raining LemonsFotoDuneApril16thAmalfi CoastCostiera AmalfitanaSalernoRavelloItalyLandscapeTravel
Infinite Path.
With water below and the roof above, reflections giving you a sense of eternity... With The sound of water dripping from the vaulted ceiling together with music that is constantly being played, they guide you through the maze of columns in Basilica Cistern. With the school of carps patrolling the shallow water below the raised wooden platform that you walk on, creates an atmosphere that should be experienced firsthand. Basilica Cistern is located southwest of the Hagia Sophia on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu. It was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian. It derives its name from the large public square on the First Hill of Constantinople, the Stoa Basilica, beneath which it was originally constructed. April 17th, 2015
InfinitePathFotoDuneApril7thHistorical LandmarksLandmarksWorldHeritagePeopleBasilicaFaithBasilica CisternIstanbulTurkey
Rituals Inbetween
Jama Masjid located in the heart of Old Delhi, with its huge courtyard that can house 25000 worshipers simultaneously is a oasis in a cramped and overcrowded Old Delhi. The hurried strides of this elderly man walking down the steps after morning prayer indicates that rigors of daily city life are calling him. The man looks energized, prepared and eager to take on the challenges.
Rituals InbetweenFotoDuneApril18thJamaMasjidFaithDelhiIndiaTravel
Cosmic Fumes
Jama Masjid is the common name given to Masjid-i Jahān-Numā meaning World-reflecting Mosque. It is the largest mosque in India. One of the caretakers of the mosque begins the day by collecting water from the pool in the court yard and cleaning the entrances to the mosque.
Cosmic FumesFotoDuneApril19thJamaMasjidFaithDelhiIndiaTravel
Spring Blossoms
Spring Blossoms in the garden of Roman Forum indicating the offset of Spring as the sun rises over the Colosseum in the background. The onset of spring here in Germany is has been great too. We have had a amazing March and April, much better than in recent times. Hope this is a sign of times to come...
Spring BlossomsFotoDuneApril 20thForum RomanumRoman ForumColosseumRomeItalyLandscapeTravelSpring
Serve and Protect
Today Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her 89th birthday. Happy birthday to Queen of United Kingdom. She is the world's oldest reigning monarch and second longest-reigning head of state. Pictured above are the Queen’s Guard at the Buckingham palace, London. Queen’s Guard is name given to the cavalry soldiers charged with guarding the official royal residences in the United Kingdom. They along with the Queens’s Life Guard have been responsible for guarding the palaces of the crown predating 1660’s. April 21st, 2015.
Serve and ProtectFotoDuneApril21stLandmarksSoldierQueen's GuardBuckingham PalaceLondonEngland
Small Leaps.
The area surrounding the Taj is known as Tajganj. It initially accommodated around 20,000 artisans and craftsmen who built the Taj Mahal. Today on the streets of Tajganj you will find Handicraft shops, Restaurants, Hotels, street food stalls and even shopping arcades located on the outskirts. The main mode of transport on these narrow streets are, cycle rickshaws, motorcycles, and the rickshaws (tuk tuk). The streets here are heavily littered. Even though tourism is the major source of income to Agra, cleanliness has not been a priority here. Recently prior to a planned visit by US president, the city went on a cleaning over drive. We can only hope that the city does not relapse, but keeps the cleaning drive going on. Here, a boy with a concerned face, running through the narrow streets of Tajganj area, in search of something: a cleaner, safer Agra with its traditional charm?
SmallLeapsFotoDuneApril22ndLandmarksSwachbharathTajganjAgraIndiaTravel
Clean-Up!
In South Mumbai a broad street lined with massive Banyan trees. Indian cities growing rapidly are facing urban deforestation. It was common to see large trees lining streets in the larger Indian cities, a concept that was started by Emperor Ashoka (304-232BC). However recently as the cities come under extreme pressure for space, these green space are being sacrificed making way for public transit systems, flyovers, broadening of roads etc. Can we have a greener, less impulsive and forward thinking approach to urban planning?
Garbage collection trucks parked by the side of street are ready to start plying across the city collecting waste. Garbage collection and treatment is not very well established across India. This has contributed to cleanliness problems faced in urban centers. Larger cities like Mumbai are buying equipment for garbage collection and treatment. Some cities like Surat in Gujarat already have sophisticated garbage collection and treatment facilities. It only helps when knowledge and experiences gained in these cities is passed on to developing urban centers and help tackle the problem earlier.CleanUpMumbaiIndiaStreetphotographyFotoduneApril23rdSwachbharathUrbanplanning
Gateway of Colors
A man rowing a small canoe approaches the Mumbai harbor, also known as Front Bay at dawn. It is a natural deep-water harbor in the Ullhas river estuary and which opens into the Arabian Sea to the south. The north eastern and western shores of the harbor are lined with Mangrove trees. This provides a rich habitat for migrating birds and other wildlife. The harbor however is heavily polluted due to extremely busy maritime trade and acts as a sink to the pollutants from Mumbai metropolitan region.
Gateway of ColorsMumbai HarbourMumbaiIndiaFotoduneApril24thSwachbharathLandmark
Alvida
Jama Masjid in Delhi was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It was completed in the year 1656 and it took 12 years to build. The Mosque is constructed out of red sandstone and white marble. It has four towers, two 40ms high minarets and three gates, to the North, South and East. The eastern gate was used by the emperor. Here a women worshiper leaving the mosque after the morning prayer while in the background pigeons takeoff after feeding on corns in the courtyard. The caretaker feeds pigeons corn throughout the day in the courtyard. The Worshiper is walking barefoot and is carrying her footwear in her hand. It is mandatory to remove your footwear while entering the mosques and temples throughout India.
Make way!
The moment you step out of the gated oasis of peacefulness that is Jama masjid, the incredibly busy life of old Delhi will overwhelm anyone. The cycle rickshaws and the Tuk Tuk’s zipping past each other narrow streets that are broad enough to be pedestrian walk ways. Here at a crossing on the main streets opposing the Red Fort, the traffic signal is has stopped working, the stand for the traffic police officer remains deserted and simultaneously different modes of transport all trying to fight their way through in a rush.
Theater!
Roman Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheatre), a day before Good Friday has been prepared for the Pope Francis to lead the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) torchlight procession. The Colosseum has a very close connection with the Roman Cathholic Church, as on each Good Friday the Pope leads a torchlit procession that starts here. It is the largest amphitheater in the world and one of the most iconic manmade structures. It is the most popular tourist attraction in Rome. As you see here, it even attracts Hollywood celebrities who want to experience the stage once held by gladiators. Hollywood Actor Ben Stiller taking a family portrait in the Colosseum.
TheaterFotoDuneApril27thColosseumRomansRomanEmpireRomeItalyunescohistoricallandmarkslandmarks
Fallen Empire.
You are looking at the Via Sacra (in the left corner) at Roman Forum (Forum Romanum).
The Forum served as the culminating venue for the celebratory military processions known as Triumphs. Victorious generals entered the city by the western Triumphal Gate (Porta Triumphalis) and circumnavigated the Palatine Hill (counterclockwise) before proceeding from the Velian Hill down the Via Sacra and into the Forum.
Every Italian municipium had a forum. Forums were the first feature of any civitas synoecized whether Latin, Italic, Etruscan, Greek, Celtic or some other. The first forums were sited between independent villages in the prehistoric period, known only through archaeology. After the rise of the Roman Republic, the most noted forum of the Roman world, the Roman Forum in Rome itself, served as a model of new construction. The Roman Forum was for centuries the center of Roman public life: the site of triumphal processions and elections; the venue for public speeches, criminal trials, and gladiatorial matches; and the nucleus of commercial affairs.(Source: Wikipedia)FallenEmpireFotoDuneApril28thColosseumRomanForumRomansRomanEmpireRomeItalyunescohistoricallandmarkslandmarks
Standing Tall.
The image shows the Arch of Septimus Severus at the begining of Via Scara. It was customery for the Senate and people of Rome to set up triumphal arches in honor of victorious Emperors and generals. The tripple Arch of Septimus Severus constructed in A.D. 203 to honor Septimus Severus and his sons Caracalla and Geta after their victories over the Parthians and various desert tribes. Next to Arch of Septimus Severus stands the church of Santi Martina e Luca dedicated to Saint Martina, martyred in 228 AD during the reign of Emperor Alexander Severus. Next to this stands the Curia (hidden behind the Arch of Septimus Severus in the image), meeting-place of the Roman Senate, is one of the best preserved ancient buildings in the Forum. Still standing tall are the pillars of the Temple of Vespasian and Titus (in the foreground).
Standing TallFotoDuneApril29thRoman ForumRomansRoman EmpireRomeItalyunescohistorical landmarkslandmarksWorld Heritage
