Most Endangered…
Seeing orangutans in their own habitat was a thrill. Swinging across the jungle canopy in family groups, babies clinging to mother’s bellies. They are endangered due to poaching and destruction of habitat.
In September I traveled by klotok, local boat, four hours along the Sekonyer River into central Borneo’s jungle. Destination: Camp Leakey to see work done by Dr. Birute Galdikas and Orangutan Foundation International to save these great apes from extinction. There were also gibbons, macaques and rare proboscis monkeys, right, as we chugged along.
Most Beautiful…
…the island of Bali and Springtime in California
In drought years poppies are more visible, shortage of water means less grass to obscure blooms. | Photo: Angela Neal Grove
Most Heartwarming…
…was the opportunity to visit schools in both Myanmar and Cambodia. After a dance performance children in a village school near Mandalay, Myanmar, quietly lined up in orderly rows. Each was given 2 books, a pencil and a ruler. One young monk was handed a coke which he seemed to treasure more than the books.
Before leaving for Cambodia I had contacted a school in Siem Reap to find out what they needed. I took boxes of pencils from Costco and other supplies.
I was treated like a celebrity. They chanted: “Where are you from?” and “How old are you?”
It was such a small thing to do and they were so appreciative. It was a highlight of my second visit to Cambodia.
One recent American visitor gave the school $300 to construct a well so the children could have fresh water.
A little can sometimes make a huge difference.
Most Forbidding and Eerily Frightening…
…the DMZ on the North Korea border
after they were blessed by a monk, left, wearing grey. No one knows if the parcels
reach their destination, but relatives continue to send them | Photo: Angela Neal Grove
Most Moving…
The 70th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy. Like thousands of others I walked the endless rows of white crosses and stopped at memorials.
Dignitaries from all over the world were there to pay respect.
So too were some of the Vets make the trip back to Normandy one more time
Most Challenging…
Hiking the High Sierra Camps trail in Yosemite in July. 50 miles in 6 days from Tuolumne Meadows up to the snow line at Camp Voglesang. The views were breathtaking, company excellent and fortunately mules carried our gear and wine. This image was commended in Wildcare fall photographic competition.
Also challenging: first time fly fishing in Sun Valley, “Never mind at least you got a bite.” said the guide.
Most Majestic…
Borobudur in Java is jaw-dropping in scope and beauty. It is the world’s largest Buddhist monument dating back to the 8th century. Over one thousand exquisitely carved relief panels are set along 1 kilometer of terraces taking visitors on a spiritual journey to enlightenment. Older than Angkor Wat. Re-discovered by Sir Stamford Raffles in the 19th century.
Most Thought Provoking…
…the Golden Triangle, where Myanmar, Thailand and #Laos meet.
with another huge casino. China is only two hours away by boat | Photo: Angela Neal Grove
The Golden Triangle was so named for its prominence in the opium trade. I was told by my guide that opium is still an important commodity here. Research confirmed this and statistics show Myanmar is second only to Afghanistan in world opium production.
However the new business in the Golden Triangle is gambling. Two hours away by boat from China, it is easy for the newly rich Chinese to visit and indulge their gambling passion. This area is destined to become a larger gambling destination than Macau.
Most Awe-Inspiring
#Iguazu Falls on the Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay border. This has been voted one of the seven wonders of the natural world. At the end of the falls an incredible wall of water thunders and roars. i was completely awestruck by the force and power. It is a on the UNESCO World Heritage List. When Eleanor Roosevelt visited the falls her comment was, “Oh poor poor Niagra!”
After two days of exploring the vast area on both the Brazil and Argentina sides I took a helicopter over the falls. This put the area into perspective for me and connected the dots – all of the different falls I had seen.
and Brazil on the right. the river is the natural border
between the two countries
Most Memorable:
Putting together this group of #MostMemorable images was a great way for me to look back on 2014, a year I Kept a Finger on the Pulse of what is happening.
Links with a hashtag, example: #Laos take you to other images and stories. Enjoy, and please comment if you feel like it, click the like button or sign up for updates. Happy New Year!
Absolutely spectacular images that could represent a lifetime of experiences, not just one year! Thank you so much for sharing and Happy 2015 to you! – Betsy
Beautifully presented and I remember the little monk with the can of coke as he was not allowed to eat after midday with the other children. Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you, Miranda
I am so impressed that you accomplished this in only one year. Your photography is terrific and I love what you see through your lenses. You are an amazing women. We have so much to learn from you.
Happy 2015 to you.
Love, Kai and John
What a year!!!! WOW! Great photographs and fascinating combination of destinations. You certainly covered the globe. Here’s to 2015!
Safe travels and all the best,
Barbara
Wow, what a remarkable year From the near tip of South America to the Golden Triangle, from Normandy to Borneo, to the Sierras close to home, what travels you have had.
Looking at this a year plus later, what a year you had! Amazing! You are amazing!
Angela,
Thank you again for fabulous photos and an amazing travel log. So many amazing sites in one year!
Continue to enjoy!
Ina