A little bit of context before you begin reading this book review. I have recently enrolled for an MA in Philosophy at the University of Mumbai. Philosophy is something I have been getting interested in, over the past few years, as those of you who have been reading my blogs and Instagram posts would know. During the pandemic, I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do next, and this is what I eventually came up with. It has been a challenge, getting back into academics as a student at this age, especially in a subject I have no academic background in. However, it has also been very exciting, especially thanks to my wonderful classmates (who, surprisingly, are of all age-groups, including some quite near my own) and my teachers, who have been very supportive and understanding. How well I will do is something that remains to be seen, but so far, I am enjoying this new journey and look forward to where it leads. Now that you know the background , you probably get an idea of how
We were on our way to a temple, with a hot spring. "It is a nice temple" assured our driver. "It won't be crowded at all." The single bus standing outside the tiny temple should have warned us, but we didn't pay attention till it was too late. The shrine, and the spring, were filled with people - who stared as we walked in. It was an unnerving experience, and we rushed to get out. A flash of white on a tree diverted me, and I hurried to see what it was. It turned out to be an Egyptian Vulture.. the saving grace of the long journey it had taken us to get here!!!
The vulture perched on the bare branch for a while, allowing me a good capture...
and then spread its wings, and soared up into the air. I watched, struck by just how beautiful it looked, and almost forgot to click. But the vulture circled, and another one joined it.... and I just had to try my luck to capture it in flight....
We stood there, losing track of time, watching the birds swoop and circle, and wondered what they were doing. Our driver rushed up, surprised to see out outside, looking at a bird, instead of the temple. By the time I turned back, the birds had disappeared, and we headed back to the car.
It was as if they had appeared just for us, to make up for the disappointing temple, and the baleful stares of those we had surprised!It is moments like these which make trips memorable, don't they?
This post is part of my series on my #summertrip 2015, and I hope to take you along with me as I recount stories from my month long trip, which took me across the country. To get an idea of all the places I visited, and what you can hope to read about, click here.
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- The Himachal Series-
Vulture watching is rare these days. You are lucky you saw it. And thanks for sharing photos. We also watching because of you.
ReplyDeletesurprisingly Tushar, I have seen Egyptian vultures earlier too, near Mysore. but its always a pleasure to see such rare birds!
DeleteLook at the wing span!! Lovely catch there Anu.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Prashanth! I was fascinated by the wingspan too, and elated that I could capture it, for once :D
DeleteWell, I would have liked to see your driver's face! Rushing out of a temple and staring at a vulture :D
ReplyDeleteOh Usha.. that was certainly a sight worth it! I dont think he ever had passengers like us. first we didnt want to visit any of the popular temples, and then i stopped him for birds, and sheep! not sure if he will come again if i call him on my next trip there :P
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