Pearl Divers - Dubai

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Dad's Garden

Pink Lotus
Lazing around on a warm December afternoon I noticed this beauty sitting in a large cement pot and thus was inspired to create this album. This was my first image from Dad’s Garden and will always remain very close to my heart.

The Lotus is considered to represent the supreme one in different civilizations and cultures, as its stays untouched and stands up to be the exemplar of beauty in spite of its miry surroundings.



The solitary Yellow Zarbara proudly shines in his garden by the drive way……. Also known as the Gerbera, it is commercially, the fifth most cut flower in the world.




Canna Lily
A spider weaves away a magical delicate tapestry across the beautiful spurt of red color in our backyard.

Did you know that In Thailand, Cannas are a traditional gift for Father's Day?


Euphorbia flower
Like a soldier on its guard the macho Euphorbia milii stands flanked by some pretty orchids, over looking all the action on the driveway.

Also known as the Christ Plant, as legend associates it with the Crown Of Thorns worn by Jesus.


Money Plant
Also known as Silver Vine, the heart shaped leaves grow in abundance just outside Dad’s examination room window and the green patch breathes life into Dad’s garden!!!

Did you know that though common in Indian households, the plant is listed as "toxic to cats and dogs" by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, because of the presence of insoluble calcium oxalates? Care should be taken to ensure the plant is not consumed by house pets or children.



Hibiscus
This flaming red beauty hangs like a pretty twirling bell. And the riot of colors around this space… absolute treat to the eyes!

Did you know that the red hibiscus flower is traditionally worn by Tahitian women? A single flower is tucked behind the ear that indicates the wearer's availability for marriage.



White Lily
After bright pinks and flaming reds, Lilies in their full bloom, their virgin white trumpets salute the sun…

Did you know that the White Lily symbolizes purity for Roman Catholic Christians. Medieval depictions of the Blessed Virgin Mary usually show her clutching these flowers?



Garlic Creeper
Perched upon a placed arch basking in the glorious kudla sunshine, almost missed capturing this beauty, as a discreet smile welcomed me...

Not as smelly as its common name the scientific name “Pseudocalymma alliaceum” is quite intriguing too. The leaves, if crushed emit garlic-like smell. However, the flowers are mildly & pleasantly scented. It is a very common and well respected plant remedy in the Amazon for the pain and inflammation of arthritis and rheumatism .



Coconut trees hanging over the red mud landscape with sunrays filtering through the strips of their gigantic leaves. Only thing missing is the crystal blue waves from the beach. And so I live my beautiful and deserted tropical island dream…

Did you know that coconuts received the name from Portuguese explorers, the sailors of Vasco da Gama in India, who first brought them to Europe? The brown and hairy surface of coconuts reminded them of a ghost or witch called Coco. When the coconuts arrived in England, they retained the coco name and nut was added.

Pilikula Nisargadhama

Tiger, tiger in the woods!!!

Mostly, the idea of must see places for me is passe. For one, I know
that every place casts its magic - be it in a remote corner of some
Godforsaken place, a known city or a tourist haven. I grew up in
Mangalore and Pilikula Nisargadhama had been around for 15 odd
years. However, off late when it attained the status of a tourist
destination, my curiosity got the better of me... And I wondered
what all the raving was about...

I must say I was in for a pleasant surprise when I chanced upon this
beautiful place - Lush green wild life park, well maintained lawns in
green splendor, a serene lake...

Pilikula Nisargadhama is a major eco-education and tourism
development project promoted by the District Administration of
Dakshina Kannada in the beautiful city of Mangalore. Situated on
the Mangalore – Karkala state highway, Pilikula with all facilities
included spans over a splendid 350 acres of land. Pilikula literally
translates into the “Pond of tigers” in Tulu. It is said that in the
days of yore, tigers used to frequent this lake to drink water. And
as legend has it, that tigers and Dakshina Kannada (earlier known
as South Kanara) were synonymous; such were the presence of tigers.

Lurking in the shadows & swimming from the depths of murky
waters,the tiger is arguably the most fascinating solitary hunter.
You would notice that none of the attractions I mentioned are in
the pictures as I spent all my hours there watching the tigers,
completely captivated by their majestic presence.

Only one possible downside - different species of wild cats were kept
in unacceptable conditions. But I am positive the management would
upgrade the facility soon.

I am looking forward to my next vacation, to capture the magic in
this rustic nature reserve.

Kudos to the Pilikula management!!!

Panambur Beach

For those who enjoy traveling to picturesque places, 'break waters' is what we used to call it. Its where the ships are harbored into the New Mangalore Port and is situated at one end of the beach beyond which the port authority takes over. It is my mental picture of serenity.

Walk along a good half kilometer to the edge of the rocks and you would be greeted with contrastingly beautiful panaroma... from people fishing in their little trawlers to huge container ships coming into the port to the lovers rendezvous. The sun setting into the horizon of the sea is absolutely breath taking!!!

The name Panambur is derived from 'Panam' which means Money and 'Ur' which means a place or village in the Tulu language. Panambur beach is located about 15 kms from the city and is now turning into hotspot of choice for a lot of cultural events.