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greenudon · 1 year

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Fußabdrücke im Regenwald

7:30 Uhr im tropischen Regenwald der Westerngaths. Nach ein paar Schritten sagt der Guide: "Look, elephant footprints". Und wirklich, ein riesiger Fußabdruck im Matsch des Urwaldes. Über 2,5h liefen wir auf einen Pfad hindurch und sahen verschiedene Affen, Gaue, Wildschweine und farbenfrohe Vögel. Dazu kamen Spuren von Elefanten und Bären. Grundsätzlich bestand auch die Chance, Tiger oder auch Elefanten zu sichten. Leider ergab sich diese aber nicht. Übrigens war ich dieses Mal mit einer langen Sicherheitssocke ausgerüstet, sodass die Blutegel erfolgreich abgeschirmt werden könnten. Warum gab es diese Biester eigentlich bisher weder in Malaysia noch in Costa Rica?

Der Ausflug in den Nationalpark, wo man verschiedenste Touren absolvieren kann, wurde mit einer Bootsfahrt auf dem Stausee abgeschlossen. Sehr ruhig und entspannt aber mit Schwimmweste und Platzkarte. Als einziger Westler auf dem Deck war ich mal wieder etwas besonderes und wurde mehrmals gefragt, ob ich fotografiert werden darf und dabei ergaben sich einige nette Gespräche. So waren viele jüngere auf ihren Flitterwochen teilweise mit Familienanhang. Interessanterweise sind fast ausschließlich ausländische Touristen an aktiven Trekkingtouren interessiert, denn die Inder mögen es eher bequem und entspannt, wenn sie Urlaub machen. So fahren Sie hauptsächlich in den Nationalpark für die Bootsfahrt oder zu einer Jeep Safari.

Am Abend hatte es noch einmal einen richtigen Wolkenbruch gegeben und für 2 Stunden geregnet. Dies war ungewöhnlich und ist einem Ausläufer eines Zyklon geschuldet. Danach bin ich mit einem französischen Paar aus Toulouse in ein Bistro gegangen und wir haben den Abend bei Lime Soda und chinesischen Nudeln ausklingen lassen. Die beiden hatten vor Covid ihren Job quittiert und begannen abwechselnd zu reisen und Saisonjobs zu machen - Tomatenernte in der Schweiz oder Hafenlogistik in Den Fjörden Norwegens.

#india #solotravel #western ghats

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infarmnurserywesternghat · 1 year

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Infarm Nursery Western Ghat Tropical Garden

Fruit Farm Nursery & Tropical Fruit Garden located at , Kozhikode, Kerala India.

Farm Visit | Farm Stay | Hill View | Farm Shop | Nursery

#fruit plants #plants #plant nursery #farmstay #farm visit #hill view #fruit farming #western ghats #farm stay #calicut #kozhikode #kerala #gods own country #farm tourism #tourism #kerala tourist places

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rasamanoj · 1 year

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Morning vibes are real

#rasamanoj

#lensblr #mj #mjphotography #mjphotos #mjtag #original photographers #photographers on tumblr #photography #rasamanoj #street photography #landscape photography #urban landscape #mountains #western ghats #photogram

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parwatisingari · 5 days

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Wanderoo Aranya's Tale

In the lush depths of the Western Ghats, a sage-like figure known as Aranya, the wise old wanderoo, held sway. His silver mane shimmered like moonbeams, carrying the whispered secrets of the forest. Aranya’s duty was no ordinary one; he guarded the sacred fig tree, repository of ancient wisdom and bearer of fruits said to bestow enlightenment upon those who partook. Animals from all corners of…

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#animal wisdom #ecology #lion tail.#Macaca Silenus #Wanderoo #Western Ghats

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sitting-on-me-bum · 2 months

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Amboli, Maharashtra, India, 2022.

The deccan banded gecko (Cyrtodactylus deccanensis) is an endemic species of the Western Ghats in India. This image was taken in the Amboli rainforest on a drizzly evening. Banded geckos are insectivorous animals that are about 15 centimetres long and seek warm and humid temperatures.

Photo by Soumya Ranjan Bhattacharyya

The Prince Albert II Of Monaco Foundation Environmental Photographer Of The Year 2023

Environmental Photography Award

#soumya ranjan bhattacharyya #photographer #environmental photography awards #amboli rainforest #maharashtra #india #deccan banded gecko #cyrtodactylus deccanensis #western ghats #nature

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billionneuronscurious · 21 days

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Uncertainties, and Lucky to be Alive:

We often talk about how human life expectancy has increased over the years. But, the quality of life in some parts of the world, even today, continues to be of degraded nature. And the uncertainties in life in these populations too is high. These regions are conflict zones, or those facing risks from climate change and global warming. And when it comes to thinking about the end of humanity, people may think that it is either far away, or if it is to happen suddenly, then it will be due to an event - such as asteroid impact.

But, do we think about lives of plants and animals, or of any other species -our fellow earth companions - say a particular insect? For an example, consider this creature in the photo, which is a moth caterpillar. And those structures which you can see on its eyes and another on its frontier (near eyes) is an egg laid by another species of an insect (a parasitoid). So, this caterpillar mostly won't be surviving. Apart from chances of being eaten by some insect, what are other things that can happen with this caterpillar? Yes, it can be killed by a bird. Or it can be captured and killed by human, for the purpose of learning/ science. Or it can be carried away by a sudden stream of water in its area; flown off by strong wind. Its host - plant, and other plants nearby may die, causing this caterpillar to die too. Thunderbolt may strike and make it disappear. And there are so many possibilities by which this caterpillar may die (we are not considering its adult form - an adult moth).

How lucky we the creatures of this earth are to manage to survive and fend death every single day. Or how unlucky we are to be slave to the possibilities by which which we could die, and to face uncertainties in life.

- Dhairyasheel Dayal

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fromtraveldiaries · 11 months

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Tickell’s blue flycatcher, Ganeshgudi, December, 2022

#old magazine house #OMH #Tickell's blue flycatcher #flycatcher #blue flycatcher #Tickell #water #perches #bird bath #small birds #birds #blue birds #blue #yellow #Karnataka #Western ghats #green #forests #Ganeshgudi

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bharatbriefs · 3 months

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Explore the Best Hill Stations in South India for an Unforgettable Vacation

Explore the Best Hill Stations in South India for an Unforgettable Vacation South India is blessed with some of the most picturesque and scenic hill stations, each offering a unique and unforgettable vacation experience. From the lush greenery of the Nilgiri Hills to the enchanting Anaimalai Hills and the serene Ananthagiri Hills, there is no shortage of natural beauty to explore in these hill…

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#Explore the Best Hill Stations #Hill Stations #Hill Stations in South India #Kerala #South India #Tamil Nadu #Top 10 Hill Stations in South India #travel #Vacation #Western Ghats

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sacz21 · 3 months

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The southern Indian state of Kerala is home to three of the Western Ghats’ highest peaks. If we say that Kerala is home to the most beautiful Ghats and that Munnar is where you can see them in all their glory, we wouldn’t be wrong. If you happen to be in Munnar during the month of May, you’re in for a real treat. Nothing beats escaping the summer heat and seeing all the top attractions in Munnar.

#adeqautetravel #western ghats #best place to munnar

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pkalunge · 4 months

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BLOG 6: REPRESENTATION: VISUAL CULTURE AND IDENTITY

Representation of Visual Culture in Game Maps

Introduction:

In this blog, I'll look at how visual culture and identity are built into Valorant's game maps. As a team, we'll discover the symbolism of landmarks, decode cultural details in the environment, and admire Valorant's unique visual language, which transforms it into an immersive storytelling experience. Let's look at the complex elements that make these maps beyond battlegrounds, providing a glimpse into a visually appealing and narratively rich world.

Game: VALORANT is a character-based 5v5 tactical shooter set on the global stage. Outwit, outplay, and outshine your competition with tactical abilities, precise gunplay, and adaptive teamwork.

Genres: Action, Shooter

Features: Competitive, Multiplayer

Valorant has held a special place in my heart as a favourite activity since its launch in the industry of gaming. One of the compelling reasons that drew me into the immersive world of Valorant is the captivating visual experience it offers. The game's vibrant environment art and diverse maps with narrative-based representation have kept me hooked and fueled my curiosity to delve deeper into the visual culture and identity it reflects.

Starting with 5 unique maps, Valorant has now grown to include a total of 13 playable maps, even incorporating one for new player training. The creators strategically crafted a virtual universe that reflects diverse cultures and enhances the uniqueness of each region, fostering a strong connection between gamers and the immersive battlegrounds they navigate.

Let's dive into the heart of the action and explore the 10 main maps that set the stage for the intense Valorant matches I've come to love:

Ascent

Split

Haven

Bind

Icebox

Breeze

Fracture

Pearl

Lotus

Sunset

Let's explore the Ascent and Lotus maps and how they represent visual culture and identity.

Ascent Map: (Decoding the Narrative Threads)

Map name: Ascent

Location: San Marco, Venice, Veneto, Italy, Alpha Earth

Coordinates: 45°25'51.1"N 12°20'05.3"E

The Ascent story narrative begins with a bang – literally. The first explosion, as depicted in the cinematic set in the near-future Venice, Italy, signifies a catastrophic event in the city of canals. Check out the cinematic here:

youtube

Now, let us shift our attention to the map itself. Ascent is a unique clash in the revived city of Venice, Italy, which developed as a result of the DUELISTS event. The city is divided among floating islands, with Ascent playing on one of the larger ones. The Range, a smaller island, is also part of the floating city. You may see other floating islands from the map's spawning, which adds to the immersive experience.

Watch the official overview of Ascent here:

youtube

Beyond gameplay, Ascent is a symbolic representation of the rich Italian culture. As I travel the map, each spread sign appeals, promising cultural clues that spark my interest. Let's decode some of these signs:

The mid-Prop on Ascent resonates with Italian influences, adding depth to the cultural narrative.

Flying Newspapers: I couldn't spot it in ghost mode in Valorant, but according to the official page, be vigilant for newspapers drifting at the edges of Ascent. Despite their invisibility in-game, these newspapers hold a real-life article on the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, introducing a subtle touch of historical context.

The architectural elements of Venice: gothic influences

Colour Palette: reddish tonality of the buildings, adding an artistic flair that pays homage to the cultural aesthetics.

Clock Landmark: Keep an eye out for the prominent clock landmark, a subtle reference to the elaborate timepieces commonly found in Venice.

2. Lotus Map - CITY OF FLOWERS

Map name: Lotus

Location: Western Ghats, Karnataka, India, Omega Earth

Coordinates: 14°07'03.0"N 74°53'21.0"E

youtube

The City's Story: Lotus emerges from the centre of India's vibrant forests as a gorgeous combination of nature, architecture, and technology. As one might assume, it is not a complex sustainable energy facility but rather an ancient ruin moving with solar energy. This is the City of Flowers—Lotus.

Symbolic Representation of Culture, Signs Decoding: Lotus Map

Lotus represents the core of Indian culture and its aesthetic value. Its detailed architecture and plants contain rooted messages. Understanding the clues exposes the lotus' significant significance in Hinduism as a symbol of purity and the flowering of spiritual potential—an idea beautifully conveyed throughout the Lotus.

Visual Culture and Identity:

The Lotus flower holds significant cultural and symbolic meanings in various traditions.

In Indian culture, it symbolizes the cosmic energy within humanity.

Buddhism and Hinduism associate it with purity, enlightenment, and embodying the teachings of Buddha.

The number of petals may convey specific meanings like harmony or enlightenment. Beyond that, the Lotus is linked to spiritual awakening and personal growth.

In Chinese culture, it represents purity and beauty, while in Japanese culture, it symbolizes enlightenment.

Considering these diverse cultural associations, the Lotus flower in the Valorant map "Lotus" likely holds rich symbolic depth.

As a symbol, the elephant is deeply associated with Lord Ganesh and is adored as a symbol of wisdom, strength, and remover of obstacles in Hindu culture. Therefore, the presence of the elephant carving on the door in Valorant could be a reference to these cultural and religious references.

Snake picture in Valorant, it's not possible to provide a direct interpretation of its visual representation related to Hindu mythology. Still, I think these could be the interpretations:

the snake "Naga" is a significant entity in Hinduism and is associated with fertility, protection, and transformation.

Snakes are also linked to deities such as Lord Shiva, who is often depicted with a snake around his neck.

The peacock is a significant symbol in Indian culture.

It is the national bird of India and represents grace, pride, and beauty.

The bird is heavily protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

In Hindu mythology, the peacock is associated with various deities and is considered a sacred bird. For example, the Hindu god of war, Kartikeya(brother of lord Ganesh), uses the peacock as his vehicle in many depictions in South India.

In my opinion, the use of a peacock as a visual symbol in Valorant may be linked to these rich cultural and mythological connections.

In Karnataka, carvings in the form of lotus flower patterns can be found in the temples, both of which hold sacred and auspicious meanings in Hinduism. These carvings represent the rich mythological and religious heritage associated with the temples in Karnataka.

Lotus' intricate compound draws inspiration from Dravidian architecture and over 1500 rock-cut ruins across India, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Dravidian peoples, a significant cultural group in Southern India and Asia who speak various Dravidian languages.

The elaborate sculptures and carvings in the temples showcase exceptional artistic skill and serve as a means to convey and preserve religious and mythological narratives.

As I move around the map, intricate murals and carvings of native Western Ghats animals like elephants, panthers, cobras, and peacocks come to life, adding a layer of cultural richness to the visual

While exploring Valorant's Ascent and Lotus maps, we are confronted with the profound impact of visuality, where the act of 'depiction, picturing, and seeing' becomes instrumental in shaping our understanding of the virtual world (Berger, 1972). These maps, operating within a 'scopic regime' dominated by ocularcentrism (Jay, 1988), go beyond mere gameplay. As we delve into Ascent's narrative threads, the inclusion of real-life articles on the 1906 San Francisco earthquake through 'unseen' floating newspapers adds a layer of historical context, echoing Jenks' observation on the conflation of the 'seen' with the 'known' (Jenks, 1995). Lotus uses rich symbolism from Hindu mythology, such as the elephant, serpent, and peacock, as visual cues to decode the cultural patchwork created all over the map's design. Valorant's use of visual culture and identity converts each map into a canvas of narrative details, providing players with an immersive storytelling experience.

References:

Berger, J. (2008 [1972]) Ways of Seeing, London, Penguin

Jay, M. (1988) ‘Scopic Regimes of Modernity‘ in Hal Foster (ed.) Vision and Visuality, New York, New Press, pp. 3-23

Jenks, C. (1995) `The centrality of the eye in Western culture', in C. Jenks (ed.), Visual Culture. London: Routledge, pp. 1-2.

VALORANT: Riot Games’ competitive 5v5 character-based tactical shooter (no date). https://playvalorant.com/en-gb/.

Wiki, C. to V.L. (no date c) Ascent. https://valorant-lore.fandom.com/wiki/Ascent.

Wiki, C. to V. (no date b) Lotus. https://valorant.fandom.com/wiki/Lotus.

Bhateja, A. (2024) Boeing 737 Max 9 Isn’t the Only Aircraft With Problems. Here Are 4 Others That Have Had Issues. https://www.fodors.com/news/news/boeing-and-airbus-planes-with-major-problems.

Symbolikon - Iconographic Library (2020) Padme Ashtamangala symbol - Worldwide01 Symbols. https://symb6o-likon.com/downloads/padme-lotus-ashtamangala/.

Opinaldo, N. (2023) Discover the power of symbols and meanings for a deep understanding. https://gitmind.com/symbols-and-meanings.html.

#Youtube #Valorant #Representation #visual culture #diversity #ascent #Lotus #Venice #Italy #karnataka #india #western ghats

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