I watched the land closely from the air. The chocolate-brown earth of South Africa, bare and threaded with rivers that turned quicksilver in the morning sun, gave way to grassland in Mozambique.
Perfectly round lagoons appeared, their barren circumference suggesting brackish water. That hint of salinity was a prelude to the sea, but no preparation for what came next.
The plane tilted and the sun burst through the windows, sending ovals of solid gold over the cabin walls.
I looked down at the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago and the sea between them, a low tide streaming out in 20 tantalising shades of blue.
The sprawling expanse of a sandbar had pushed through the shallows.
My first thought was of a sculpture in sand, reminiscent of those works of early Cubism-Picasso's Tête de Femme (Fernande), perhaps-in which all the facets of a face are seen at once, myriad planes collapsed into a single visage.
The sea seemed almost to act like shadow, highlighting and deepening the lines of that piercing countenance.
"I simply think that water is the image of time," wrote the poet Joseph Brodsky in Watermark, his meditation on Venice. My first glimpse of the Bazaruto Archipelago evoked that sense so many cultures have of the sea as a metaphor for divinity-now in the Spirit of God moving upon the face of the waters in Genesis, now in Vishnu floating on a cosmic sea. Water: it is the element that best represents that sensation of stillness, movement, and simultaneity that we know, in our heart of hearts, offers a glimpse of the divine.
Denne historien er fra January 2023-utgaven av Travel+Leisure India.
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Denne historien er fra January 2023-utgaven av Travel+Leisure India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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SOARING ABOVE THE REST
Surrounded by stunning mountain views yet located in the city centre, the Hilton Kathmandu captures the essence of Nepali culture and cuisine.
HEARTWARMING HOSPITALITY
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in India has 60 hotels under its umbrella, all of which offer exceptional hospitality, a comfortable stay, and memories for a lifetime.
FOOD IS ART,
and we truly believe so-which is exactly what the fifth edition of the Delicious Dining Awards 2024 celebrated, acknowledged, and honoured. From the stalwarts of the F&B industry choosing the restaurants, cafes, and menus that they love to readers picking their favourites across restaurants and bars in leading hotels to the growing offerings of homegrown spirits and mixers as well as applauding for the T+L tastemakers who are changemakers in their own way, this year's DDA was all about the artistic excellence of the culinary industry in our country.
The Great Wide Open
At a new camp in the steppes of central Mongolia, Kate Eshelby saddles up for the adventure of a lifetime.
Life Of Pai
Japleen Kaur escapes to this lesser known Thailand town that's right out of a dreamy storybook
EAT, PRAY, LOVE with ABHAY DEOL
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Space Odyssey
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HANOI LIKE A LOCAL
The 1,000-year-old capital city offers a time-travel experience with its hearty dose of culture, an elegant fusion of architectural styles, and a fascinating food and coffee heritage
FARM FAB
Enjoy the gift of nature without sacrificing your comforts at Oleander Farms for your upcoming family holiday
10 Emerging Experiences in Asia
Thrilling, relaxing, exciting and indulgent-here is our handpicked list of must-dos that bare the vibrant and diverse soul of this fascinating continent