Travel Pathways

In my traveling, albeit not impressive, I find myself in wonderful places and stumble across interesting attractions. Some of these fascinating encounters are with roads, pathways and bridges. Perhaps I should have been a civil engineer… Or, it could that the engineers in my life, my father most especially, who happens to be a roads and bridges specialist, simply influence me. I am fascinated by the world’s pathways. I have a lot of pictures stashed away but for the purpose of Daily Post’s “Pedestrian” photo challenge, I will share a few.

I don’t think any of them is pedestrian (meaning: dull) but they sure are made attractive by their pedestrians. The pathways for pedestrians are already lovely.

Below is the road (or part of) that takes travelers from Metro Manila to Quezon (province) and vice versa (in the Philippines). As a kid, I was rather scared of going through this road. We called it the “zig-zag” road. The road has claimed its casualties. It seems to have improved aesthetically. I hope it’s also a safer road now.

Below is a lovely bridge in Bourke’s Luck Potholes in the Blyde River Canyon. The place is one of the magnificent attractions along the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga in South Africa. It is quite a drop so my advice is to not fool around on the bridge. It is a solid and safe structure though, fortunately.

This beautiful pathway is from the restaurant area to the dams of Valley of the Rainbow in Dullstroom. I found it totally worth the attention I gave it. I do like pretty things. 🙂

Between Polokwane and Tzaneen is a jewel a friend of mine and I discovered years ago when Polokwane was still Pietersburg. I find the inviting Picasso Restaurant irresistible and not only because of the pancakes (South African; also called crepes). This place makes a perfect setting for a story. If there ever was a time I didn’t stop on my way between the towns (actually Pietersburg is a city, but small), it would be a couple of times at the most. The picture below was taken when the village was covered in fog. It isn’t always as dramatic as it looks here but always pretty.

Let’s admit it: golf courses are beautiful places. I have not been playing so I am definitely missing a lot of beauty lately. This is Hans Merensky Golf Course in Phalaborwa. It is quite a distance from Johannesburg, which I underestimated the first time I went there and we even got lost. I would suggest that travelers budget at least five hours for the drive. On the golf courses are some charming pedestrians: wildlife. It’s a good course to play as well. I did get an eagle here once. My only eagle ever. Yeah, I holed the ball from the fairway. Unbelievable, I know.

That is one magnificent pedestrian on the road! This is at the Kruger National Park. We decided to take a break from golf and headed out to the reserve for some wildlife not found on the course. The Mercedes Benz is no match to the elephant, in its beauty, charm, size and strength.

One day, I will stay at The Venetian… even for one day but hopefully more days. There sure are many marvelous luxury hotels in Las Vegas and maybe I will get to experience them all. One can dream! The Venetian theme is one of my favorites in Las Vegas. Thus, I made my main character (in my Fall+Love story) stay in this hotel. I just love this bridge.

#Vegasstrong