Today we spent the day exploring the valley and Manali Town with the dual purpose of having an easy day as well as to acclimatize ourselves for the journey ahead.
First thing that strikes you about Kulu Valley is the color green. The whole region was drenched in vivid shades of green. With the mountains as a backdrop and with the river running all along – everything looked straight out of a picture card.
I saw my first Apple Orchard!! They were everywhere! Pink apples, green apples - all sizes, n shapes. So damn pretty.
Vashist a small town about 3km away from Manali is well known as the town with the natural springs, the key attraction being some kind of a communal bath area in a temple(Vashi Muni) rumored to have medicinal properties. We checked out the bath area for women. The scene before us was hilarious AND frightening at the same time. I ran like a bat out of hell as soon as I saw it - well you would too if you saw what I saw.
From Manali, we also got our first view of the snow capped mountain ranges way up ahead in the distance – which is where we will be heading directly! The first of the many mountain passes that we will be crossing, the Rohtang pass, is almost visible, beckoning us. Can’t wait to be on the road tomorrow.
In the evening, walked around, taking pictures. What I love most about small towns in the hills, is exploring all the little trails that at first glance apparently lead nowhere. You follow some of them and you can be face to face with the most amazing views, just like that. Very nice.
Once I get back, we have our first photo review. My set of pictures, needless to say, was the crappiest of the lot. Well hello. I am on a photography workshop with a Landscape Architect, a Visual Graphic Designer, and a Professional Travel photographer. Clearly - I am the bad seed in the group :D Plus I’m really not sure if have that ‘eye for detail’ and all such photo related hokey pokey. Oh well! I just have to soldier on.
Maybe I can steal all their snaps at the end of the trip ;)
Anyway, at the end of the discussion, this is what I gathered. 'F stops' and 'mid tone' is the way to go, people. What that? Er...well...its...I think...
|
