Shangrila

[tropicalbob]

While recently reading up on the poet W.H. Auden, I saw that he described his mind-frame as "essentially pastoralist," meaning that he was a daydreamer. I thought it might be interesting to hear from FL members about the most beautiful, magical places they've been. I'd start with the Taj Majal under a full moon, or the pleasure palace of Shah Jahan, Fatepur Sikri, just outside of Agra, at sunset.

 

[Oldsarge]

Victoria Falls and the Vic Falls Hotel. Sitting on the veranda looking out over what seemed to be forty acres of lawn with the Iron Bridge in the distance and the mist arising from the falls themselves, the only proper thing to order is a gin and tonic.

 

[Renault]

Here


Or here

 

[Mr. Godfrey]

Lizard point Cornwall, looking towards Kynance cove with the sun setting. A place I would like my ashes scattered. Angkor Wat at dawn - magical, actually A ballon ride over the west bank in Luxor.

Watching fruit bats flying in the sunset on Sumatra (like a scene from the wizard of Oz), dawn in the jungle in Sumatra watching the mist sit on the tree tops along a valley, listening to the siamang calling.

Are special to me for different reasons.

 

[Blackthorn]

I couldn't narrow it down to just one, but Bhutan was exceptional. Here my wife and I were on our way up to the Buddhist monastery known as The Tiger's Nest (elevation 10,000 ft):

 

[Big Man]

I'm not widely-traveled, but the Linville Gorge is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. The Linville Gorge is just in my backyard, only about five or six miles away. There's a place where I often go that I call "Numb Butt Rock." It's called that because the view from there is so beautiful you will sit there looking at the view till your butt goes numb.

But, the true "Shangrila" to me is seeing the old homeplace every time I come home.

 

[Mr. Godfrey]

But, the true "Shangrila" to me is seeing the old homeplace every time I come home.

So very true, Big man. You do not need to travel far to see what is most important to you. I have been very lucky and travelled the globe over the years, yet to the two places that make me really happy and peaceful are Cornwall here in the UK and Orlando area, FL. is a place full of happy memories with family so that's my hearts content! the smile on my kids face

 

[Bugguy]

The Great Barrier Reef off Cairns, Australia - both from the air, at sea level, and 10m below.

I might add, all points south and west qualify as the cream in my bucket list.

 

[DesertDan]

I have never been out of the "Lower 48" but I have seen some incredibily beautiful places within them.
Yellowstone Park
Glacier National Park
The Grand Canyon
Mariscal Canyon - Big Bend National Park
The Royal Gorge
The Grand Tetons

 

[Stanley Doble]

That is not what pastoralist means.

Definition of PASTORALISM
1
: the quality or style characteristic of pastoral writing
2
a : livestock raising
b : social organization based on livestock raising as the primary economic activity
— pas·to·ral·ist noun or adjective
First Known Use of PASTORALISM
1854

I never knew Auden was a cowboy.

 

[Bushman]

For me, it was the Redwoods of Northern California. Every spot took my breath away, it was like walking back into a different, more primordial time. Never before have I seen such an awe striking scenery.

 

[Blackthorn]

I love that area and those trees.