Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Kathmandu, Nepal - Swayambhunath Temple

Swayambhunath is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. It is also known as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in parts of the temple in the north-west. The Tibetan name for the site means 'Sublime Trees', for the many varieties of trees found on the hill.

For the Buddhists, Swayambhunath occupies a central position, it is probably the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites. For Tibetans and followers of Tibetan Buddhism, it second only to Boudhanath.

The Swayambhunath complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, some dating back to the Licchavi period. A Tibetan monastery, museum and library are more recent additions. The stupa has Buddha's eyes and eyebrows painted on. Between them, there is something painted which looks like the nose - but is the Nepali symbol of 'unity', in the main Nepali language dialect.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Me vs Annapurna

Me vs Annapurna by GlobeTrotter 2000
Me vs Annapurna, a photo by GlobeTrotter 2000 on Flickr.

I think I've never posted a photo of me on Flickr but since I had this one I figured out why not.

1. I enjoy outdoors activities, hiking obviously one of them.

2. Since I made this awesome trek, I really want to climb a 7000m mountain !!!

3. As many people made the confusion during my last travel, I'm not nepali ;)

4. I can't get rid of the "Mantra of Avalokiteshvara" music from my mind since my return. This music can be heard everywhere, everytime in Nepal !!!

5. I live in Paris and I'm not a pilot, neither a traveler journalist ...

6. I don't like thinking of random things about me :-)

7. Ever since I got my D80, about 4 years ago, I've shot maybe 30 000 shots.

8. I love travelling. Maybe you do not know that :-)

9. I'm watching NCIS right now.

10. By the way, thanks for all your kind words and supportive comments on Flickr.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal - Frozen Morning

Annapurna is a section of the Himalayas in north-central Nepal that includes 8,091 metres (26,545 ft) Annapurna I, thirteen additional peaks over 7,000 m (22,970 ft) and 16 more over 6,000 m (19,690 ft).

The entire massif and surrounding area are protected within the 7,629 km2 Annapurna Conservation Area, the first and largest conservation area in Nepal. The Annapurna Conservation Area is home to several world-class treks, including the Annapurna Circuit.

The Annapurna peaks are the world's most dangerous mountains to climb although, from figures since 1990, Kangchenjunga surpasses Annapurna's death rate. As of 2007, there had been 153 summit ascents of Annapurna I, and 58 climbing fatalities on the mountain. This fatality to summit ratio (38%) is the highest of any of the eight-thousanders. In particular, the ascent via the south face is considered the most difficult of all climbs.