Friday, June 29, 2012

Darjeeling Railway

These photographs were taken in 1980, much has changed since though much is still the same, road transport has grown of course, stunning that locomotives built over 100 years ago are still in action. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, nicknamed the "Toy Train", is a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge railway from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling in West Bengal, run by the Indian Railways.It was built between 1879 and 1881 and is about 86 kilometres (53 mi) long. The elevation level is from about 100 metres (328 ft) at New Jalpaiguri to about 2,200 metres (7,218 ft) at Darjeeling. Four modern diesel locomotives handle most of the scheduled services: however the daily Kurseong-Darjeeling return service and the daily tourist trains from Darjeeling to Ghum (India's highest railway station) are handled by vintage Scottish-built B Class steam locomotives.Since 1999 the train has been a World Heritage Site as listed by UNESCO. The railway line basically follows Hill Cart Road which is partially the same as National Highway 55. Usually, the track is simply on the road side. In case of landslides both track and road might be affected. As long parts of the road are surrounded with buildings, the railway line often rather resembles urban tramway tracks than an overland line. To warn residents and car drivers about the approaching train, engines are equipped with very loud horns that even drown horns of Indian trucks and buses. Trains horn almost without pause - therefore people with sensitive ears (especially foreigners from countries that are more quiet than India) should wear ear protection while riding the train.
Two Locomotives chugging along near Ghum.
Passing close by as it does the railway and road sharing the same bit of ground.
Into town beyond the station for goods only.
It's normal to see cows feeding on garbage but here in Darjeeling it was mostly goats.
Quite high up from the plains at 7000 ft I decided to pay a visit to this licensed vendor Ganja Bhang shop. Well for a few rupees I got considerable higher and experienced the most amazing lightening storm with crashing rain on the corrugated roof of the hotel, I wasn't able to go anywhere anyway, stunning.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Emma Pratt Artist

Emma Pratt Sculpture exhibition at the Steeple Newburgh North Fife.
Emma along side one of her sculptures.
Ceramic piece.
Plaster of Paris.
Detail.
Detail.
Emma Pratt

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Fri Sky River Tay North Fife

Fri Sky heading out to sea on a placid River Tay North Fife today 17th June having delivered cargo to Perth Docks. Description: Call Sign : C6ST4 Gross tonnage : 1511 Type of ship : General Cargo Ship Year of build : 1981 Flag : Bahamas PoR : Nassau Ship manager : KOPERVIK SHIP MANAGEMENT Registered owner : FRI SKY SHIPPING Current position

Saturday, June 16, 2012

First Karmapa: The Life and Teachings of Dusum Khyenpa

First Karmapa: The Life and Teachings of Dusum Khyenpa, Foreword by 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje. Publication Date: 26 July 2012 Nine hundred years ago, the First Karmapa, Dusum Khyenpa, inspired his disciples through his teachings and through the example of his life. This first English translation of his teachings and biographies allows contemporary readers to experience this great master's forthright manner, feel his commitment to practice, and receive the teachings he gave in both word and deed. Special Offers and Product Promotions Pre-order Price Guarantee: order now and if the Amazon.co.uk price decreases between the time you place your order and the release date, you'll be charged the lowest price. Here's how (terms and conditions apply) RRP: £16.99 Price: £14.44 & this item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery. Be amongst the first to read this valuable translation. Click here to order your copy.First Karmapa: The Life and Teachings of Dusum Khyenpa Get the core of it and fast track to enlightenment.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

BlackEarnside Tartan Army 2012 North Fife

BlackEarnside Tartan Army 2012 North Fife. A happy constituted group of Scottish Rugby supporters hold their Annual General meeting on this historical site at BlackEarnside. Trudy expressing her delight at being voted for the Chair.

Buttercups North Fife

A profusion of buttercups, a field of them, a wonderful site. This and other similar fields close by are grazed by horses, geese from time to time and the odd cow. Buttercups and daises are toxic to horses ( gives them the belly ache ) They'll eat it if there's nothing else but by avoiding them over the years the plants have become dominant. Goats would do well on it, they seem to be immune to most plants even Ragwort. Buttercups North Fife. Buttercups and daises

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Olympic Torch Newburgh North Fife

Newburgh High Street beginning to fill and await the Olympic Torch Parade, flag hawkers doing a brisk trade. Entertainment too, passes the time. Hello everybody. See Hen, just when is this torch coming? Then the cavalcade hits town. Samsung cheer leaders. Metropolitan Police on holiday!! I know, I've been standing here for ages too. At an amble the oldest runner walks in. OMG I thinks it's gone out. Awe thank goodness for that, I'll just turn it up a wee bit so you can be on your way. There it was and in a flash it went by.