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Gallery

A grassy field with people walking around it

3,000 BCE passage tomb, Newgrange, Ireland

There are monuments all over the world that are tuned both to the winter and summer solstice – one being New Grange. It is often said that the winter solstice is the rebirth of the sun and of light. The passage at New Grange to let the light in is an engineering marvel.

A black and white photo of an empty tunnel.

Across Time, Herculaneum Tunnel, Italy

A tunnel that leads to the city carved out of lava from the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. is witness to our desperation to live. Whether some escaped through the tunnel or not, the cries can still be imagined when one walks through it.

A stone face with two eyes and one nose.

Artifact from Gobekli Tepe, Urfa, Turkey

Another artifact from the Gobekli Tepe site. Possibly the relief of a lizard. Were these used for worship in a primitive religion or simply carved to embellish the monument.

Artifact from Gobekli Tepe, Urfa, Turkey

Artifact found at the Gobekli Tepe site in Urfa, Turkey. Carved stone of an unidentified animal with an aggressive posture might represent some symbol of a prehistoric religion. The research is ongoing.

A piece of paper with some type of painting on it

Beautiful Imperfections - Knossos, Crete

Civilizations caught in a delicate dance between destruction and creation. Redeemed by discovery.

A painting of horses and their foals in the desert.

Beautiful Imperfections - Knossos, Crete

Recreated fresco on a shattered wall. Are re-discovered civilizations being given a modern twist?

A large building with columns lit up at night.

Blending of Civilizations, Temple of Concordia, Agrigento, Italy

Constructed during the Golden Age of Ancient Greece, the best preserved Greek temple still stands in all its splendor. Even after the Romans conquered Sicily, the monuments were preserved – quite different from what happens today.

Bullet holes at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, Punjab

Bullet holes on the walls of Jallianwala Bagh, reminding us of the massacre of unarmed civilians by the British rulers on April 13, 1919. No formal apology has come from Britain yet and the site has now been developed into a monument attracting tourists. Light and Sound shows are held and the lane leading to the entry is “disneyfied” with murals – insensitive, painful, and sad.

A black and white photo of some long hallway.

Contemplation, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Monuments are built to honour a person or an event or to remember historical events. Our collective behavior hardly changes with an exposure to these structures yet we keep on building them – to what purpose?

A stone sculpture of an elephant with a sky background

Gaudi's Playfulness with Architecture, Barcelona, Spain

Gaudi at it again!! A mad man or a genius? Some say that puritans may find it hard to accept his approach. Should he be made a saint? Whatever the opinions are, his creations are undoubtedly fun.

A bridge over water with buildings in the background.

Peace Bridge, Calgary, Canada

After much criticism, the Peace Bridge in Calgary is here to stay. Designed by the famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the red colour matches the colour of our Canadian Flag. Interestingly, the Hans Wilsdorf Bridge in Geneva bears a striking resemblance.

A large stone structure in the middle of nowhere.

Ruins of the Oldest Islamic University, Harran, Turkey

Remains of the oldest Islamic University in the world. Unfortunately neither the bricks and mortar nor the knowledge gained here seem to have lasted.

A concrete wall with plants growing in it.

Courtyard - Robben Island Prison, South Africa

Mandela’s autobiography “Long Walk to Freedom” started within the confines of a prison. He spent a lot of time in the courtyard within this prison. Have we learnt anything from him at all?

A large building with many domed windows on the side of it.

Elephant Stables, Hampi, India

Another example of Indo-Islamic architecture and one of the finest. Archaeologists have recently started to study the everyday life of societies that created them, and we get more insights into past civilizations.

Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain

This is one great story of a monument. The Basque Government in Bilbao decided to fund a daring and innovative monument to host modern and contemporary art at a site which was a decrepit port area. The architect was Frank Gehry. This is one museum worth visiting repeatedly.

A black and white photo of mountains with trees

Layers of Mist, The Great Wall, China

Lack of colour enhances the scope for imagination. As we live in the present we romanticize the past.

A man standing in the middle of a forest.

Keeper of the Gorillas - Volcanoes National Park, Ruhengiri, Rwanda

Keeper of the Gorillas at Ruhengiri, Volcanoes National Park. Tributes to Diane Fossey for saving the lives of the Gorillas at the cost of her own.

A black and white photo of people walking in front of the brandenburg gate.

Laughter in Berlin

Laughter caught by the camera at the Brandenburg Gate. I cherish this image for the innocence, and unhibited wonder it portrays.

An Elder (The Hadza, Baray, Tanzania)

A Hadza Chief looking at the camera. By now, he probably has figured out what a camera does. Over the years, their population has dwindled and now stands at 400 odd people. If they are not able to survive in this changing world, we will have lost the meaning of true egalitarianism.

A man sitting on the ground in front of a building.

Jazz Street Performer, Cuba

African – Cuban Jazz, the earliest form of Latin Jazz being played on the street in Havana. A joy to listen to after a hectic day. The yellow outfit does add colour to the experience.

A poster of a woman with breast milk on her chest.

Stephansplatz, Vienna

Stephansplatz in Vienna displays a bold billboard of candies by Katjes (In 2018 Katjes became famous for displaying a hijab wearing model eating candies). INCLUSIVITY.

A woman chained to rocks and chains in an old photo.

Still in Chains (Slavery Monument, Stone Town, Zanzibar)

I have seen people walk past the sculptures without any reaction. Probably overexposure to such images desensitizes us. And that is the tragedy.

A group of people sitting on the ground in the desert.

The Egalitarians (The Hadza, Baray, Tanzania)

A truly egalitarian society where women, children, men all have a role to play in the decision-making process. A meeting of minds in session totally oblivious of our presence.

A woman with short hair smiles for the camera.

The Smile (The Hadza, Baray, Tanzania)

What can we say about this captivating expression of joy? Is there an agreement of some sorts in the group that brings a smile to her face? It is infectious!!

A man standing in the middle of a crowded street.

The Task (Pedestrian at a Guwahati Town Square)

The human experience – walking on trash, drab advertisements, and people everywhere but without any sense of community.

An old woman with white hair and a red shirt.

Why... (Havana, Cuba)

Cuba Libre and the Revolution that could have been. She must have experienced all that happened since 1953 and now she just poses for a photograph when requested. The only thing left is the “cocktail” and broken dreams.

A young boy in a hat and jacket standing on the ground.

Necessity of Hope - Foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

The photograph was taken at the starting point of our climb to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. As soon as I took my first step, the face, full of wonder and innocence caught my attention.

A man with a colorful head band is holding a wooden stick.

Sharpening Tools for The Kill (The Hadza, Baray, Tanzania)

A Hadza ritual to sharpen their tools. The defining element of their daily life is to find meat and honey. Over production is an unknown concept to them. Intuitively they know that surplus causes unfair allocation of output. Fascinating!!

Two people sitting on the ground in a forest.

And then there was Laughter (The Hadza, Baray, Tanzania)

The unbridled laughter of a Hadza is seen everywhere in the region. Is this because all are treated equal? – a signature of the tribe!!

Anxiety - Darajani Market, Zanzibar

What is the worry? What problem needs to be solved? The face in a Zanzibar market place expresses an emotion which can be seen anywhere in the world.

A man sitting on the ground with an instrument.

Baul Singer, Shatiniketan, India

These mystic minstrels include mixed elements of Sufism, Vaishnavism and Tantra to form the Baul group. Their philosophy transcends the traditional concept of religion and is critical of the superficiality of the division between different systems.

A woman with many silver jewelry on her head.

Beauty (Datoga Tribe, Tanzania)

A Datoga beauty adorns herself with jewelry made by her tribe.. Skilled blacksmiths, they are believed to have moved from South Sudan or Ethiopia before settling in the Karatu district in Tanzania. Interestingly the design of the Datoga tribe’s markings wrap around the eyes in loops, almost like an “infinity” sign.

Crepe Artist - Bordeaux

A crepe artist in Bordeaux with an unwavering focus on her craft. We get good at what we practice.

A person with dreadlocks and a colorful outfit.

Dinner on The Kill (The Hadza, Baray, Tanzania)

After killing a monkey, quickly searing the flesh in fire made by hand drill (a 200K old practice), the young Hadza appears to be relishing his dinner. The head band is made from the killed animal’s skin. Food is eaten right away and is never preserved or stored. Probably this is a foundation for a true egalitarian society.

An old woman sitting down with a snake around her neck.

Focused (The Hadza, Baray, Tanzania)

A Hadza grandmother displays her dominant role as she drums sense into her grandson.

A woman playing the harp in front of a brick wall.

Form, Harmony and Emotion (Town Square, Santillana Del Mar)

Santillana Del Mar, is neither holy (san) nor flat (llana) nor on the sea (del mar). ‘The prettiest village in Spain’ hosts a solo harpist in its town square. The image appears to be trapped in time.

A man sitting on the ground with a drum.

Language of Music (Dhol Player, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India)

A solo drum (dhol) player carries on with complete concentration. The world is drawn to him and he continues with his routine day in and day out. Wonder what he is thinking.

Masai Warrior, Tanzania

A fully attired Masai warrior. Traditional practices are on the decline. Posing for tourists and providing glimpses into their lifestyle is an easier alternative.

A man with long hair and beard wearing a turban.

Mendicant - Varanasi

The piercing look of a mendicant in Varanasi, India. He asked for money in return for allowing me to take his picture. What he does with his stash of cash is a mystery.

Sky is the Limit (The Hadza, Baray, Tanzania)

The sky is the limit!! A Hadza archer practicing with his bow and arrow. If he starts to excel at what he does, the tribe starts to mock him, and power does not get concentrated. An evolved model of an egalitarian society.

A woman with beads on her neck and head.

Strategy (The Hadza, Baray, Tanzania)

What is this Hadza thinking about? Meat, honey, or a plan for the epheme ceremony? How do we understand them from our flawed perspectives?

A woman smiling for the camera in front of an outdoor table.

The Smile, Zanzibar

Is there something called a Zanzibar Smile? Can’t define what it stands for, can’t describe the origin, but here it is. THE SMILE – Enigmatic!!

A picture of the old town and its surroundings.

Cienfuegos, Cuba

A blend of the past and present. The “frame” was captured in Jose Marti Park in Cienfuegos and change probably is on its way.

A narrow alley way with a wall and concrete

Damascus, Syria

A narrow alley in Damascus resembling a similar construct in Jerusalem. While walking down these alleys, we were offered nuts, fruits, and sweets by the locals. We happily accepted. We were just visitors but were treated as guests. Will there be any opportunity to visit again?

A group of people walking down an alley way.

If streets could talk ... (San Gimignano, Sienna, Italy)

What would they say? So much is seen by the street, but we can relate only to our own individual experiences.

A stone walkway with brick walls and a small wall.

Jerusalem, Israel

Similarity of walled alleys in Jerusalem and those in Damascus, Syria. There are many other similarities too but wonder why only differences are nurtured and expanded upon.

A wall with many different colored buildings and a yellow sign

Let us go then, you and I ...(Street Mural, London, UK)

Going my way… in this busy city? Will you come with me even though there is so much to choose and so many places to be?

A long hallway with many arches and a brick floor.

Marrakesh Old Town Street

An old town Marrakesh alley where kids play soccer, social events are held, and people connect. Progress tends to isolate these places as tourist sites and before long they will lose their original purpose. Progress??

A black and white photo of people walking on the street.

Modern Day Street Scene, Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo, Japan. All that glass and steel diminishes the beauty that place could offer. Corporate encroachment of space is daunting and ugly but there is no end in sight.

A metal ball sitting on the ground with leaves.

Saint-Paul Asylum, St. Remy, France

Street leading to Saint-Paul Asylum in Saint Remy, Provence, where Van Gogh spent some time for his mental illness. “The Starry Night” painted from memory during the day portrays the view outside his sanitorium window at night.

A woman walking down the street near some graffiti.

Street Art - Havana, Cuba

Street art on way to The Malecon, Havana. DYR (left) and Yulier P (right) are two signatures on the murals.

A sign that is in some trees with instructions.

Street Sign on way to the Summit of Chirripo, Costa Rica

An encouraging sign along the route to the summit of Mt. Chirripo. Needed lots of “encouragement” to climb the 12,536 ft. Whew!!

A group of people walking down the sidewalk.

Cafe Wha?, Greenwich Village, NYC

Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Sprinsteen, Woody Allen, Richard Pryor, and other celebrities, during their early days, walked these streets to perform at Café Wha? The search continues.

A painting of children playing instruments and singing.

Orderly Way of Life, Street Mural, Berlin

Street art depicting order in Berlin. Also reminiscent of order during Nazi Germany. Extreme rigid order concentrates power in the hands of a few and the outcome is now well known.

Wall in Santorini, Greece

Posters created by the Inside Out Project were pasted on a street wall in Santorini. What are these faces trying to say? Where are they from? What’s their untold story? www.insideoutproject.net is worth a look.

A group of people standing around a food stand.

Street Chaat Stop, Varanasi, India

There are some obscure but famous destinations along a street and this “chaat” store is one of them. The person with the backpack told us that he makes it a point to have a bite here whenever he lands in Varanasi before heading to his destination. We know why!!

A close up of graffiti on the side of a building

Abstract Street Art, Berlin

Watchful eyes in Berlin. Berlin is famous for its street art and if not anything else, street art might be the only reason to visit the city.

A street with many arches and columns on the side.

Cienfuegos, Cuba

Cienfuegos, labelled as the “Pearl of the South” has a neo-classical architectural layout and is the best example of 19th century Spanish urban planning. Some focus is currently directed towards increasing tourism, without which the “pearl” might peel.

Connections (Street Side Mural, Marseille, France)

“The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts”. A mural on the street connects our overall experiences. Boundaries are crossed and journeys go on.

A red spot is on the ground in front of some rocks.

Hope and Healing, Sarajevo

Concrete scars caused by mortar shelling are coloured with red resin to create these flowers. A reminder of the siege of Sarajevo and the brutality of war.

A mural of people with umbrellas and the words " no war ".

The Eternal Cry (Galeria de Arte Urbana), Lisbon

We say “No War” countless times but to no avail. We have literature, paintings, music, protests around this but change does not happen. Is it our “impotence”? Or is it that “Peace Cannot Exist without War” is not a cliché at all?

A group of people walking on the street.

The Quest (Spanish Steps, Rome, Italy)

What are we constantly searching for?

A person walking down the street in front of some buildings

Trinidad Street - Cuba

The desolate cobbled streets of Trinidad, Cuba today, saw better days during the boom in the sugar industry. Few passersby can be seen these days. Do all streets eventually have the same fate?

A stone oven with pots and baskets in it.

Domesticity, Katzrin Kitchen, Golan Heights, Israel

A kitchen in a dwelling in Katzrin, a Talmudic Village in The Golan Heights, bearing striking resemblance to kitchens still used in certain parts of the world. The village came into existence in the 4th century CE and was abandoned in 1967.

A room with pillars and carvings on the walls.

Envy of the gods, Tipu Sultan’s Palace, Bangalore, India

A classic example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Finding strength in our differences and combining them makes a better world. What we do with this awareness is key.

A street with a cross walk and some buildings

Facet of European Style, Bayeux, Normandy, France

The half-timbered dwellings in Bayeux take us to the land of fairy tales. It is magical and the child within is awakened.

A stone structure with a door open in it.

Nabatean Architecture, Wadirum, Jordan

Uninhabitable yet dwelling like structures were created possibly for temporary shelter during a journey.

Traditional Hadzabe Hut, Tanzania

A testament to changing times. These temporary shelters of the Hadza tribe are facing a crisis. The grass to build the roof and the walls are rapidly diminishing due to pastoral encroachment.

A group of people standing around in the dirt.

First Permanent Human Settlement, Gobekli Tepe, Turkey

New discoveries raise new questions – did farming cause people to settle down or the other way round? The debate continues.

A stone block with an animal design carved into it.

First Permanent Human Settlement, Gobekli Tepe, Turkey

Abstract carved animal relief – could they have been symbols of a “temple” in 9500 BCE?

A large rock structure in the middle of nowhere.

Dome of a nuraghe, Sardinia, Italy

The nuraghes continue to fascinate us. What purpose were they built for? Like many other ancient sites elsewhere in the world, sunrise at winter solstice appeared to be closely connected to the architecture.

Domed interior of a nuraghe, Sardinia, Italy.

A royal chamber, a military stronghold, a national symbol, a status symbol, an ordinary dwelling – many theories float around as to why they were built. Equally intriguing is why they were abandoned.

A room with stone walls and floors in it

Domesticity in Prehistoric Skara Brae, Scotland

Domesticity around 3200 BCE. An untrained archaeologist Vere Gordon Childe went to the site in 1927 to examine it. Detailed records were made, and he coined the term “neolithic revolution” following his findings.

Domesticity in Prehistoric Skara Brae, Scotland

When a harsh storm in 1850 cleared, the outlines of this village were found by the locals in Orkney, Scotland. It dated back to 3180 BCE.

A stone wall and some houses on the side of a road.

Dwellings, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Traditional rugged Bosnian houses with high ceilings are still being constructed today. Houses in Lukomir, Konjic are no different than Santal houses in Shantiniketan, India.

A street with houses and palm trees on the side.

Dwellings, Shantiniketan, India

Modern day Santal houses in Shantiniketan, India bearing resemblance to houses in Konjic, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A boat is parked in front of a building.

Fisherman’s Hut, Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia

The forms are naturally present in the frame. No re-arrangements were required to compose the image. The intent and content is for the viewer to suggest.

Gaudi's Play, Barcelona

Gaudi’s play with architecture, nature and religion is displayed extensively in Barcelona. Intriguing, thought provoking, a feast for the eyes – these dwellings influence our imagination and are no longer “a haven against the siege of the outer world”.

Gaudi's Play, Barcelona

A fluid window design changes the character and purpose of a dwelling. Is this a reflection of an imperfect personality, searching forever?

A light fixture hanging from the ceiling of a room.

Gaudi's Play, Barcelona

The ornamental sun on the ceiling begs the question – is this decadence or reason to ask more questions?

A rock with several animal drawings painted on it.

Hampi, India

Ancient cave dwellers also found a reason to beautify their interiors. A house, a shelter forms part of human existence where the distinction between the two diminishes and evolves naturally over time.

A building with many windows and arches in the middle of it

Hampi Thereafter, Queen's Bath, India

The bath exemplifies the beauty of Indo-Islamic architecture built during the Vijaynagara Kingdom, India. A pompous statement of authority and abundance.

A group of beehive shaped mud houses in the desert.

Harran Beehive Houses, Turkey

Beehive houses which are more than 3000 years old could withstand earthquakes, windstorms, heavy rain. They are truly “havens of siege against the outer world” and are still in use.

A street with many colorful buildings and cars on the side.

Looking Inward, District 6 - Capetown, South Africa

Colorful houses in District 6, Cape Town causes us to look inwards and find beauty in this diverse world – a metaphor for freedom.

Looking Outward, Santillana Del Mar, Spain

The window in a house in Santillana del Mar opens to bring the outside indoors. The barriers between the inside and the outside are removed and the house is extended. Human ingenuity.

A large rock structure with many small windows.

Nabatean Architecture, Wadirum, Jordan

Nabatean structure resembling a dwelling. Probably a shrine for divinity also providing shelter for the weary traveler.

A building with pillars and carvings on it

Nabatean Temple, Petra, Jordan

Petra Nabatean Treasury carved out of stone. The façade stands in all its glory and is believed to be a place for worship. Predictably no “treasures” were ever found here.

A small hut with grass roof and palm trees

Thatched Hut, Sunderbans, India

Nature dictates the type of dwelling required in the Sunderbans, India. Materials are locally available and unpredictable nature encourages prototypes that will work in the region. Man works in cohesion with nature.

A group of people standing outside of a building.

Checkpost before the climb

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A group of people standing on top of a sandy beach.

The Group - Ready for the Ascent

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Necessity of Hope - Surprised kids at the start of the climb

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A group of tents in the woods with trees.

Simba Camp, our first camp, all set up

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A view of the sky at sunset from a hill.

Sunrise before we move on

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A mountain with a red top in the background

Mt. Kilimanjaro against the morning sun

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A group of people sitting at a table eating food.

Breakfast prepared by the support staff to keep us energized

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A group of people walking on the side of a hill.

Our hard working support team

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A mountain range with snow on top of it.

An Inuksuk, symbolizing unity, pride and strength, looks across to The Summit

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A large mountain with clouds in the background.

Mawenzi Peak, at a distance

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Two people sitting on a rock near some mountains

A closer look at Mawenzi Peak

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A group of people walking up a hill carrying bags.

More hard work

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A group of people sitting on top of a hill.

The Group of 7 – So near, yet so far

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A couple of people walking near an airplane wreck.

Remnants of a 2008 Plane Crash, on our way to the peak

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A man standing next to an animal on the ground.

Mummified buffalo near the top being observed by Harold – Our Team Leader

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A group of people walking on top of a mountain.

Base Camp – before the final ascent

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Snows at The Summit

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A moon is setting over the top of a mountain.

Started the last ascent at full moon. Now it is early morning, next day

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A mountain with snow on it and rocks in the foreground.

Streaks of snow at The Summit

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A view of the top of a mountain with snow on it.

The Grandeur

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A group of people standing on top of a mountain.

Finally – We Did It

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A group of people gathered around a table with candles.

Celebration with The Group

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A view of some mountains with snow on them.

A Blanket to Wrap a Sleeping Giant

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A group of people walking up the side of a hill.

A closer peek at an Ice Cave

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A mountain range with colorful hills in the background.

Colorful Rhyolite Mountains of Landmannalaugaer

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A waterfall is shown with water coming out of it.

Eternal Conflict between Water and Rock

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The Play of Forms

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Nature's Play with Geometric Form

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A mountain with snow on it and some rocks

Remembering Lawren Harris (Group of Seven)

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A river running through the middle of a valley.

Rushing Waters from Glaciers Melting

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A large grassy field with mountains in the background.

Storasula Peak, often called the Mistress

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A mountain with a rainbow in the background

Subtle brush strokes on the mountain range

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A mountain with fog and water coming from it

The Grandeur on Earth

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A mountain with a cloud of smoke coming from it

The Mountain Face in Awe

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Well Draped

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It is the trekkers choice

More Blankets

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A view of the side of a mountain with snow on it.

Nature at Play

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A feast for the eyes

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A Reminder of what lies Beneath the Warm Red Earth

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A well made bed, bit ruffled on the sides

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Between the dormant volcanoes of Eyjafjallajokull and Katla

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Bright colors under a receeding Glacier

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A group of people standing on top of a hill.

Getting into an Ice Cave

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A large mountain with green grass on it's side.

Hattfell Peak

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Dipankar Mukherjee Photography

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Dipankar Mukherjee
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Dipankar Mukherjee
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