Today is International Tourist Day, 27 November, 2024.
Not only is it a day to reflect on the challenges and trends of the tourism sector, but for me it is also a day to showcase the beauty of a country.
When I opened my eyes this morning and reflected on what to write about my beloved country, I found myself at a loss for words.
Is the beauty of a country not about the wide beaches, the blue waters, the green forest, and the high mountains? No, it reaches so much further. It embraces a tapestry of various elements.
- Natural beauty, landscapes
- The people, their cultural heritages, diversities, and hospitalities
- The wildlife, from the deep of the oceans to the soaring of the highest
- Iconic landmarks and the architecture that goes with it
- The rich history from caves to graves
- The cuisine, from celebrations to traditions and from spice to no spice
- The climate and beautiful seasons, from snow to booming flowers
- The song, dance, and art that reflect the core of the nation
Each country offers its own unique blend of these elements, creating a distinct identity that captivates both residents and tourists, and I can just imagine the wonderful places that will be shared on social media today.
It was clear in my mind that I will land up writing a book if I want to share all the elements of my beloved country, South Africa.
As I was searching for photos on my mobile phone, the word “Cityscape” popped up.
I remembered this contest, “Cityscape” I was however left with a challenge. How can “cityscape” showcase the beauty of a country?
Was I surprised! Cities like “Home,” Bangkok, Dubai, Cape Town, and many more popped up.
As I was scrolling through the photos, my eyes caught one. I did not even look further. It was a photo taken at “Home” when home was still Johannesburg, and for me it was a must share.
This photo was taken on 31 December 2020 at 20:38
It was taken from the balcony of our bedroom overlooking the city of Johannesburg to the east. Why I like this photo so much is that although it was already evening and the moon was out, the rays of the sun setting in the west were still coloring the sky, which is miles away, blue in the east.
I know that experts will tell us that this is due to atmospheric scattering. For those of you who don’t know, this means that when the moon is low, near the horizon, the light of the moon must travel through more air particles and pollutants in the atmosphere, which makes it appear to be yellow.
For me, in this photo, it is all about color perception. I would like to hear what the professional photographers among us can tell us.
Looking past the moon and the sky, the brilliant lights as far as the eye can see in a time of COVID-19 lockdown on the last day of a year tells me the story of the perseverance of cities and their inhabitants in challenging times. The lights, powerful symbols of resilience, reflection, and the human spirit's ability to endure and hope for the future... a sense of longing for connection.
We have survived... Happy Tourist Day!
I don't know what professionals think about the photo or about the yellowish touch around the moon, but for me this is a perfect click which showcases the outset voyage of the pale moon in the vastness of sky, over a city which is full of life and I can feel its vibrant ambiance in this silent picture❤️
And yes! this photo delivers what you want to show us, but a book could be a very good idea becoz of your unconventional writing style.🤞🙃
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Haha! Thank you for the compliment! I am not so sure about the book. Maybe one day when I am fully retired. Then again, I do have a book that I still need to finish, but to do it, I need to travel some more, and unfortunately, I just don't have the time for it.
Time! Somehow we all run out of it.
Thanks for the visit!
PS: Your writing skills are just as impressive ✍
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Slips like sand
Much obliged...... Patjewell ! for your attention
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Son excelentes fotografías que captan la luz de la ciudad y a su vez una luna que trata de imponer su noche frente a los rayos del Sol que intentan imponer en su ocaso el cielo. Es un duelo de luces y colores que la hacen muy especial.
Gracias por compartir, saludos y éxitos.
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YES! You agree with me that it is the color setting of the sky that is a factor in these photos. Whoop whoop!
Thank you for the visit and also the nice comment.
(づ๑•ᴗ•๑)づ
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wow that looks so beautiful, thanks for sharing. have a great day and week ahead .
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Thank you for the visit and the kind words.☕
I great day and week to you also.
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you are welcome.
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The beautiful country of south Africa. I have heard so much about that country and I will be hoping one day to pay a visit there most especially that city of Johannesburg. Quite a beautiful city
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Oh yes! South Africa is beautiful from the north to the south and the east to the west.
Johannesburg is busy, but it is a must visit, especially when you take a red bus trip whereby you can hop on and off and enjoy the diversity.
I hope that some day you will get to do it. 🤞🏻
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Thank you!
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Thank you!
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@o1eh
Thank you! ☕
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I love the photo you capture..
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Thank you!☕
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This post has been upvoted/supported by Team 5 via @philhughes. Our team supports content that adds to the community.
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@philhughes
Thank you! ☕
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