Optimism and Opportunity

Many of my posts reflect my outlook to err on the upside of life’s circumstances.  I try to drown out my inner (and often powerful) pessimism by surrounding myself with positivity and optimism.  I find that this is a careful balance of being hopeful while remaining realistic.  Today, when I was taking a break from my coursework, or the slightly negative part of my day, I watched an encouraging Ted Talk that I think demonstrates hopeful realism.

Johan Rockstrom suggests that the earth is at a point where major transformation must occur.  He optimistically recommends that we use and continue to use crises as opportunities and local initiatives to transform and sustain life.  Also, he makes a realistic statement that climate change is not our biggest problem only a symptom of our land use.

I found this talk engaging and thought-provoking.  I agree that I transformation is soon to happen and I look forward to being a part of it.

Gavi Sightings: February 25, 2012

I happened to meet Mr.Madhu Menon who is a Director of ANALA (Ahmedabad Nature Lover’s Association) when he came to Cardamom County for a property visit on the 25th of Feb. He happily shared his nature loving photos with us.

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Gavi Sightings: February 23, 2012

Here we are sharing the photos of Mr. Jonathan, who recently stayed at Cardamom County. He visited the Gavi Ecotourism destination and experienced the wilderness through trekking, bamboo rafting, and a nature walk.

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Periyar Sightings: February 21, 2012

This afternoon I went to the main entrance of the Periyar Tiger Reserve to assist one of  our groups staying at Cardamom County. We had the good fortune to see a herd of elephants along with baby at a very close distance to the main entrance.  Our group members got very excited and took many photographs. Continue reading

Swimming Elephants

We happened to meet Mr. Senthil – a planter who regularly assists the Forestry Department, who is also a frequent customer at Cardamom County. He shared one of his rare videos taken near the southern region of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

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Pomelo (Citrus maxima)

The pomelo is the largest fruit in the citrus family and usually grows throughout Southeast Asia. The thick, easy to peel rind surrounds, juicy and fairly sweet yellow or pink flesh. The fruit averages about 15-25 centimeters in diameter and weighs around 1-2kg. Continue reading

Indian Coral Tree ( Erythrina Indica)

Two days ago, when I went for a morning walk in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the spectacular show of bright crimson flowers attracted my eyes and forced me to stop and take photos. Due to the change of seasons, the trees are shedding their leaves and putting their energy into blooming flowers–and the results are fabulously picturesque.

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Wild Things Lurk In Tranquil Places

Two of Milo’s recent posts–one about appetites and the other about maternal instincts–provide reminders that as beautiful as nature is, there are situational downsides. In an earlier post we mentioned Walton Ford, and it is interesting to consider Milo’s photographic observations in light of Ford’s work.  And since Milo was writing from India, perhaps even in conjunction with the musical encounter below.

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Do not let Milo’s fearsome photography, nor Walton Ford’s phantasmagorical extrapolations, lead you astray. Continue reading