ramyadelhi's photostream

La Tour Eiffel!
The journey from a brick minaret to an iron tower- from the Qutb to the Eiffel- from Delhi to Paris- from India to Europe- from one culture to another- this pic is all that and more to me! (my memories from a backpacking trip to Europe)
I always thought the Eiffel was overrated, after all it is just an organized mess of iron bars... But, this- my first view of the Eiffel, and I fell in love with this golden beauty. Lying there on the grass and watching it rise into the clear black sky made me visit it every single day I was in Paris. Je t'aime Paris!

It was built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel as an entrance arch to the World Fair. It is the tallest building in Paris. Being one of the 7 wonders of the world, it is the most-visited monument in the world.

Standing tall as a part of the Delhi skyline since 1386, the Qutb Minar is a heritage monument built by the first Muslim ruler of Delhi- Qutbuddin Aibak and completed by Iltutmish and Firuz Shah Tughluq. The minar is built with red sandstone and has intricate carvings and verses from the Quran. The site of the minar was the capital of the last Hindu rulers of Delhi- Tomars and Chauhans. The Qutb complex had Hindu temples which were destroyed and the debris was used to build it.The reminders of the great kingdoms that Delhi was a part of, the Hindu and the Muslim relics (Indo-Islamic architecture) can be seen in this complex.

Oh! Btw, it is the world's tallest brick minaret and the tallest tower in India!

Nestled in the heart of New Delhi is Connaught Place (CP)... and tucked away deep in CP is 'Ugrasen ki Baoli'. The baoli/ stepwell was built in the Lodi period and unlike the bustling sorroundings, it is a calm, secluded, cool and refreshing place. The baoli is now home to a 'zillion' pigeons. Standing at the top of the steps, you have a breathtaking view- 'of the heritage that is characteristic of India and the modernity towards which we are slowly moving!' And the pigeons remind us of what we should be doing- FLYING (towards development) but ROOTED (in our rich traditions and values)!

Little stones make big mountains
Little steps can cover miles
Little acts of loving-kindness
Give the world its biggest SMILES!

Little words can soothe big troubles
Little hugs can dry big tears
Little candles light the darkness
Little memories last for years

Little dreams can lead to greatness
Little victories to success
It's the little things in life
That brings the greatest happiness!!!

-Anonymous

"Yes, there are two paths you can go by
But in the long run
There's still time to change
The road you're on"
-Led Zeppelin

In the pic- The stairway down to a serene, beautiful, secluded waterfall- the Hanumangundi Falls (near Manipal, Karnataka).