Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Not-so-Wordless Wednesday

a lunar landscape in Plaine des Sables, La Réunion


Since we have a total solar eclipse today and as part of the celebration of 40th year of man’s first step on the moon, here are some “lunar” landscapes.

the "solitary" panorama goes on and on...

Well, of course, the shots are not really from the moon. It is from the southern part of La Réunion Island and the landscape is not caused by meteorites hitting the area (as in the case of the moon) but by volcanic eruption.

a deserted yet spectacular vast landscape giving you a certain sense of freedom

And I don’t think the moon sky would have this color as the lunar atmosphere is not the same as that of the earth’s. But I believe many who have visited the Plaine des Sables (literally means Sand Plains) on the way to Piton La Fournaise would have imagined it as traveling across the lunar surface.

alone but not lonely... that is what the view conveys...

For us who didn’t and with a very high probability of never setting foot on the moon, I guess this is the closest thing we can have to a lunar experience (well, at least, to me) *smiles* . And the vista that greeted us when we reach this place is that of extra-ordinary beauty. To use the title of Buzz Aldrin’s new book, the view is really one of Magnificent Desolation.

magnificently desolate

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16 comments:

Rana said...

Very cool pictures! Happy WW!

Night Owl Mama said...

Amazing photos thanks so much for sharing

Can u come by and leave me a comment on this post pLEASE
http://nightowlmama.blogspot.com/2009/07/funniest-five-momfinitions.html

thanks so much

lareine said...

to rana: thanks for dropping by :)

to night owl mama: i already did! thanks for the visit and enjoy a great day!

jams o donnell said...

Wow maginficent desolation is the perfect description!

Indrani said...

I loved this virtual lunar tip. :)
Lovely shots!

Gattina said...

Beautiful !!! I love these lunar landscapes so much ! I have seen some on the Canary Islands, in Turkey and Morocco, and also in the States.

Lavender and Vanilla Friends of the Gardens said...

Magnificently desolate is well said. I think desert plains in their bareness, without greenery have their own stark beauty and touch your senses in a different way. We have places like this in the outback.

SandyCarlson said...

I thought "lunar" right away and then wondered where on Earth you had taken us. Thanks for the tour and the story!

Nussaibah said...

Lovely pics! You really tempt me to book a ticket to go to La Réunion. I'd reach there in about 30 minutes ;)

Katarina said...

You just gave me a walk on the moon...at least almost...
Katarina

Unknown said...

It does look very moonlike and remote!

Flowers said...

Nice blog with very nice picture. Enjoyed going through it. Keep it up the good work. Cheers :)

FLowers said...

Nice blog with very nice pictures. ENjoyed going through it. Keep it up the good work.

Flowers said...

Nice blog with very nice pictures. Enjoyed going through it. Keep it up the good work. Cheers :)

Flowerss said...

Nice blog. Enjoyed going through it. Keep it up the good work. cheers :)

lareine said...

to everybody: thanks a lot for dropping by... maybe i should learn the "moon walk" when i next (hopefully) visit another place like this:)...

to nussaibah: go and take the next plane!... you won't regret it:)...

to titania: well said:)...

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