Magnificent rock stacks that rise up majestically from the Southern Ocean on Victoria’s dramatic coastline.

Created by constant erosion of the limestone cliffs of the mainland beginning 10-20 million years ago, the stormy Southern Ocean and blasting winds gradually eroded the softer limestone, forming caves in the cliffs. The caves eventually became arches and when they collapsed rock stacks up to 45 metres high were left isolated from the shore.

(source: visitvictoria.com)

Great Ocean Road – 1 of 2:

Great Ocean Road – 2 of 2:

Gets real interesting after 1910 and explosive through around 1960.

The name Diwali is itself a contraction of the word “Deepavali”, which translates into row of lamps. Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends. Most Indian business communities begin the financial year on the first day of Diwali.

In each legend, myth and story of Deepawali lies the significance of the victory of good over evil; and it is with each Deepawali and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts, that this simple truth finds new reason and hope. From darkness unto light — the light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds, that which brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of fire-crackers, joy, togetherness and hope. Diwali is celebrated around the globe. Outside India, it is more than a Hindu festival, it’s a celebration of South-Asian identities. (Source: wikipedia)

Diya arrangement (in this pic) by two dear ladies 50 years apart in age.  Santa Clara, California, USA.

Silhouette of the Tanjai Periya Kovil. Tanjai is short for Thanjavur and Periya Kovil the big temple dedicated to Shiva in the form of Brihadeeswara. Built almost 1000 years back, when the Chola dynasty was reigning supreme in the South of India. The crown, shikharam, on top of the main tower, vimana, is carved out of a single stone and weighs more than 80 tons.

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India

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A Contre-jour view of the Mecca / Makkah Masjid mosque, built originally during the reign of Qutub Shahi Sultans of Hyderabad in the 1600′s.

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India

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San Thome Basilica is a Roman Catholic minor basilica in Santhome, in the city of Chennai (Madras), India. It was built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers, and rebuilt again with the status of a cathedral by the British in 1893. The British version still stands today. It was designed in neo-Gothic style, favoured by British architects in the late 19th century. Source: wikipedia

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

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View article Planet 100: Top 5 Green Houses of Worship (Video News) on discovery.com

Background music is track Siddhi Vinayakam from the Album “Ganesha Murali” by Kudamaloor Janardanan. Video shot using my iPhone4 camera, on a recent visit to Ciudad de Mexico.

First Day (on the day of arrival at the hotel):

Next Day:

First impressions do matter .. particularly when it comes to toilet paper!

Interesting perspective on business, Devdutt Pattanaik approaches the subject primarily through the lens of Indian mythology.

.. for IDLIs which when served less than 2pcs is outright rude & a culture short of class!  Most Desi restaurants have forgotten this basic idli etiquette and serve a solitary idli in their combo meals.  I was hoping Saravana Bhavan would be the exception but on a recent visit was only able to confirm this trend.  To add insult to my idli sensibilities, they refused to swap the dessert item in the thaali for another idli .. this, mind you, not after the thaali plate was served .. but at the time of taking the order!

[Image Source: Wikipedia]