Friday, December 21, 2012

Step By Step




It’s been a while since I updated the blog, but I’ve recently returned from an extended trip back to Oz, to attend my daughter’s wedding. And with the subzero temperatures here now in Bhutan’s oncoming winter, it’s more than a little uncomfortable to be walking around the place looking for photo opportunities.

So from the relative warmth of a new apartment, looking through my vast collection of pics, I’ve noticed that there is an unusual number of images of STEPS. Perhaps it’s a subliminal result of perceiving this nation’s growth as one of slow, deliberate progress…step by step. Or maybe I just like steps. Dunno.

These photos come from several countries I’ve visited over the last few years, but the theme is a common one…


This one was taken during the construction of the IT Park in Babesa, Bhutan…



Again from the IT Park, leading up and through the unfinished security guard-house...

 

At a friend's house in Hassan, near Bangalore, South India. The dog's name is Ruby...



And continuing the theme of dogs on steps, Jimmy and Jacky in Anagalpura village, also near Bangalore...




The first sight I get when entering my own little cabin in Frog Rock, Australia...



Waiting to catch a harbour cruising boat in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam...






The nearly completed granite steps on the rear entrance to the IT Park...



Sometimes, steps lead us to the most weird and wonderful places...



Beautiful spotted gum (Corymbia maculata) timber steps (before polishing) in my son's home in Sydney, Australia...






...and now finished, complete with bonus handrail...



Some ancient steps in Hampi, India...



Sapa town, Vietnam...




During construction of The Banyan, a children's hostel and school in Anagalpura, India...




Spiral steps down to the deck of a boat in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam...



Steep ones in a guest house, Phobjikha Valley, eastern Bhutan...



Completed, amongst the beautiful artwork in the IT Park...



Happy kids in Anagalpura, India...



Left, right, left, right, upwards to an ancient monastery in Bumthang, Bhutan...


 The same monastery...



Newly carpeted steps, Sydney, Australia...



Steps can also be for sitting. Amphitheatre at the Clock Tower, Thimphu, Bhutan...


 
 The Royal Botanic Gardens near Babesa, Bhutan...



A rooftop glimpse of the car-park steps at the IT Park...


New house in Kothanur, South India...





2 different ones at the 375 year old Punakha Dzong (fortress) in Bhutan...




 And my very favourite...granite slabs cut into the mud brick wall of an old well, in Chikka Gubbi village, Bangalore, India...