I don’t often participate in travel competitions but the Thomas Cook Explore the Elements photo blogging challenge seemed like an amazing one. I got a chance to browse through photographs from my travels and publish 4 that best capture the essence of nature’s 4 elements – Earth, Water, Fire and Air.
Tough as it was to make these selections, I had fun exploring the elements, and this is my entry.
EARTH
Earth – Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud
Earth symbolizes stability, strength and growth. A major nourishment that the Earth provides is rice. Thus for this element, I’ve chosen a shot from the picturesque Tegallalang Rice Terrace in Ubud, on the Indonesian island of Bali. Rice terraces cascading down across the valley make for a green and peaceful scene, and have been designed for efficient irrigation and agriculture. Although man-made, they work in confluence with nature by sustaining soil conservation and flood control.
WATER
Water – Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, Iceland
We all know that two thirds of our planet is covered with water. I’ve seen some beautiful beaches, powerful waterfalls and exceptional scenes of snow covered landscapes. But the most remarkable body of water I have seen was in the form of glaciers. A moment that stands out and that I will forever cherish is when I saw floating icebergs in Jokulsarlon, a glacier lagoon in Iceland. Some icebergs had black stripes because of volcanic ash that has been mixed with the ice.
FIRE
Fire – An Arabian Sunset at Rub Al Khali, UAE
For this element, what could be more apt that the gigantic ball of fire that is our sun? Like most people, I am a fan of sunsets. And I recently witnessed a special one in the Liwa Desert, on the northern edge of Rub Al’ Khali (The Empty Quarter), which is the world’s largest uninterrupted sand desert. I climbed a high sand dune and was treated to an extraordinary sight. Seated on the cushion that was the soft fine sand, I looked out at the iridescent sand dunes that stretched out far and wide, and watched in awe as the bright beautiful sun finally disappeared into the horizon.
AIR
Air – Icelandic Horse
Air is something we can’t see but it is powerful. It has a huge impact and it gives life. It leaves a mark on objects and living things. We breathe it in and we feel it on our skin. This is a photograph of Icelandic horses and I think it well represents this element because air is life. So air is these graceful horses. It is also the wind in their hair. The presence of air is clearly felt as their manes move according to motions of the wind. Air is freedom too, and that is what I felt seeing these charming creatures in the vast Icelandic landscape.
It has been rewarding to relive such priceless moments and take a trip down travel memory lane. Do you have a favorite element? Which of the above pictures do you like best?
Thanks to the lovely and equally sweet-toothed Shikha from Why Waste Annual Leave? for nominating me to take part. The competition requires us to challenge 5 other bloggers to participate, so I nominate these fantastic bloggers:
Ayla – Mrs. Ayla’s Adventures
Kasha – Lines of Escape
Jenny – A Taste of Travel
Allane – Packing my Suitcase
Diana – Browsing Italy
The deadline is only a few days away (March 16th, 2015) but do try to take part. I look forward to see your entries!
I’m Nita, a proud foodie and non-recovering travelholic. Join me on my perpetual journey through life’s pleasures.
Bon voyage!
That glacier is just breathtaking Nita – really stunning. I completely agree with you that despite seeing some amazing waterfalls and beaches, there was something about seeing these kind of beautiful glaciers that completely took my breath away but…my favourite photo here has to be the one you’ve chosen for air – it’s such an interesting choice and the description you’ve given really makes me see it in a different light – I really see that sense of being out in the wild, living, wandering and having space and freedom out in the open air. You’ve seen some really beautiful places on your travels
Appreciate your kind words, Shikha! Those glaciers are really something else, aren’t they? Glad you love the Air picture too. Thank you again for nominating me to do this. Your pictures are gorgeous as well and good luck to you
Amazing Nita!! Loved your pictures! Especially the glacier one… I always wanted to see one… one day I hope!
Thank you so much for nominating me <3
I wish you good luck!!
Thanks, Allane
I’m sure you will get to see some glaciers soon. All the best to you!
Lovely photos. The rice terraces are such an amazing feat of engineering- much better for the environment than using machines to pump water around.
Absolutely! They work in beautiful harmony with the environment. Thank you, Katie
I love this challenge, it allows me to discover amazing blogs
I love the rice terraces:-)
Me too! I’ve seen such amazing pictures and interpretations of these elements. Thank you for stopping by
Fabulous photos Nita. I love your photo of the glacier in Iceland. It’s a country that I really must think about going to. Thanks for the nomination. It should be fun going through the photos!
Thank you so much, Jenny
I absolutely loved watching the glaciers; it was a surreal sight. Iceland is extremely photogenic and you should definitely go soon. You’d love it too. Can’t wait to check out your pictures!
The image with the glacier in Iceland is truly awesome, even if the ice is melting every day and our glaciers become smaller and smaller.
Thanks Jess! A shame, right? They’re incredibly beautiful