Nugget Point, Otago, South Island, New Zealand

Nugget Point is one of the most iconic landforms on the Otago coast. Located at the northern end of the Catlins coast down the road from Kaka Point, this steep headland has a lighthouse at its tip, surrounded by rocky islets (The Nuggets). The point is home to many seabirds, including penguins, gannets and spoonbills, and a large breeding colony of fur seals.

The lighthouse was built in 1869 and stands 76 m (250 ft) above the water. It was automated in 1980 and is operated by Maritime New Zealand.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nugget_Point

Hoopers Inlet, Otago Peninsular, South Island, New Zealand

Early morning at Hoopers Inlet, Otago Peninsular, South Island, New Zealand. Calm weather with beutiful reflections on the still water.

Thai Army in Ceremonial Dress at the Funeral of HRH Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda

 

Royal funerals are a big occasion in Thailand. There is usually a huge procession around the Grand Palce in Bangkok as the body is taken to a specially prepared site at Sanam Luang where the cremation takes place. This is one section of the Thai armed forces that took part in the procession.

A Thing of the Past?

Phuket City is full of old Sino Colonial buildings but there appearance is often marred by the power and telephone cables strung along the roads. The authorities are now busy putting these cables underground so photos like this one will soon hopefully become a thing of the past.

Elephants, Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai

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These elephants are to be found at Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai. The temple is about 600 years old and once housed one of the most important relics in Thailand - the Emerald Buddha which is now housed in its own temple in Bangkok. The chedi, which was destroyed either by earthquake or King Taksin cannons, was the tallest structure in Chiang Mai.

Jui Tui Temple, Phuket City

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This is the Jui Tui temple in Phuket City and located not far from the main market. It was previously in Soi Romanee in the old town but moved to its present location after a fire. The temple plays a big part in Phuket's annual Vegetarian Festival.

Hooper's Inlet, South Island, New Zealand.

This is Hooper's Inlet on the Otago Peninsular, South Island, New Zealand. It is a beatiful place especially at dawn on a nice day which was when this photo was taken. The peninsular itself is sparsely populated but the city of Dunedin is very close by.