Map In My Pocket

Tag: Beaches

  • Streets of Pondicherry – Part I: Art

    Streets of Pondicherry – Part I: Art

    New Settlement. That is Pudicheri for you. Interpreted into Pondicherry by and for the French.

    From the Romans who came here to trade in the 1st century AD to the Portuguese who returned in 1521 to trade in textiles, Pondicherry has had a colourful legacy. Not the Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, Sangamas or the Mughals; not even the Dutch or British could lay claim to this town. It has and will always be French.

    Atleast  as Tamil as it can get, but with a constant presence of its French past.

    The historical richness of this town comes to life in its Art & Architecture. A lingering shadow of its European past in its every street.

    So, come walk with me.

    A leisurely stroll through the streets of Pondicherry, as you discover yet another piece of Urban Art, just around the corner.

    img_7005-copy-2

    To be continued in Streets of Pondicherry – Part II: Architecture

     

    More on Pondicherry:
    Pondicherry, Racist much?

  • Sunrise on Surfers Paradise

    Sunrise on Surfers Paradise

    This week, I am revisiting some old memories!

    Last year when I was living in Sydney, we had a study break when we were supposed to work on a project. Instead a bunch of us (read most of the class) rented an apartment on Surfers Paradise in Gold Coast & took off.

    Some, including me took a flight, while other lucky ones drove down. Though I did miss taking the scenic route, I woke up to this!

    sunrise_beach_goldcoast

    A Sunrise on The Beach.

    sunrise_beach_goldcoast

    sunrise_beach_goldcoast

    There I am in the living room, waking up, sticking my head out & see it getting light outside. So, I wake up others and we walk across from the apartment to sit on the beach and catch the sunrise.

    sunrise_beach_goldcoast

    Each of us wanders off to pick a spot & indulge in some peace and thought.

    sunrise_beach_goldcoast

    & Then, just like that, the wait is over.

    sunrise_beach_goldcoast

    and a glorious dawn breaks.

    sunrise_beach_clouds_goldcoast

    sunrise_beach_clouds_goldcoast

    The time is more than perfect for a quite walk on the beach,

    sunrise_beach_goldcoast

    to the sound of crashing waves.

    sunrise_beach_goldcoast

    sunrise_beach_goldcoast

    I believe a beach at this twilight hour has a completely different personality from when it gradually assumes its character as the day wears on.

    Do you know of any other beaches where one could wake up to the rising sun?

    sunrise_beach_goldcoast

    Tell me! Would love to go there one day. :)

     

    Read Next: Abseiling in The Blue Mountains

  • A Day on The Rottnest Island

    A Day on The Rottnest Island

    Rottnest Island is a popular holiday island in Western Australia eighteen kilometres off the coast of Perth. This island framed by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean is a ferry ride away. Making for an ideal day trip destination.

    Separated from the mainland around 7000 years ago, it is famous for its secluded bays, pristine beaches & crystal clear waters.

    rottnest island_perth_australia

    rottnest island_perth_australia

    An A Class Nature Reserve, it is home to a range of rare and remarkable species of plant, marine & wild life. Its extensive seagrass beds provide shelter & nutrients in the shallow marine environment.

    The population of Quokkas – who have lately become popular as the World’s Happiest Animal – led the Dutch seaman Willem de Vlamingh to name this island, their island, the Ratte nest (rat’s nest); which eventually became Rottnest.

    rottnest island_perth_australia

    I was in Sydney last year & travelled to Perth for my birthday weekend.
    & that is how I found myself for a day on the Rottnest Island.

    The first thing we did as soon we got to the island was to find a map & hire a bike.

    rottnest island_perth_australia

    Bikes are the transportation of choice on this island! (As you can see from the picture above :D)

    But, you can also choose to hop on & off the bus or book one of the tours including a historic train ride, which bring to life the colonial heritage of the island.

    rottnest island_perth_australia

    So, what else can one do besides enjoying the sweeping ocean views, scenic salt lakes & moors and the sights of trees shaped by years of oceanic winds?

    rottnest island_perth_australia

    rottnest island_perth_australia

    rottnest island_perth_australia

    Eat at waterfront restaurants with a view like this.

    rottnest island_perth_australia

    Swim, dive, snorkel, fish, sail.. laze on the beach!

    rottnest island_perth_australia

    rottnest island_perth_australia

    Discover shipwrecks.

    rottnest island_perth_australia

    There are such a number of great trails to follow & brilliant sights to explore that I came away feeling a day is just not enough!

    rottnest island_perth_australia_mapinmypocket

    PS: Google Maps are just as fun, though not so pretty!

    Read Next: Sunrise on Surfers Paradise

    Read More on Australia:

    Abseiling in The Blue Mountains