Explore The Elements – Travel Photoblogging Challenge

I was invited to participate in the Thomas Cook Explore The Elements Photoblogging competition by Wise Monkeys Abroad. The challenge is fun and simple which made my decision to enter an easy one. There’s some really cool prizes at stake too!

The rules: 1. Publish original photographs that represent one of the four elements. 2. Nominate 5 fellow bloggers. 3. Tweet or email your entry to Thomas Cook UK. The contest closes on Monday 16th March.

Earth

Represents the hard, solid objects of the earth. Associated with stubbornness, collectiveness , physicality and gravity.

[Above is the view from the top of Cannon Mountain showcasing the natural stunning changing colors of the Earth during autumn in New Hampshire, USA]

As a Taurus, Earth is my element and I can feel the magical energy of the Earth which recharges me when I am at or near the mountains, my absolute favorite place to be. I have definitely been called stubborn, but this stubbornness often translates to perseverance, independence and appreciating good quality in life.

[Above is me hiking Mirror Lake Trail in Oregon]

Water

Represents the fluid, flowing, formless things in the world. Associated with emotion, defensiveness, adaptability, flexibility, suppleness, and magnetism.

[Above are the free flowing waters of the renowned Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy]

Although I am more of an Earth person, one of my favorite things to do is go with the flow and one of my talents is adaptability. These two characteristics sum up my life in a big way. My life is incredibly unpredictable because I go with the flow and then I adapt. Ironically, I don’t like change; I’m a planner, but regardless, I am excellent at adapting to and embracing whatever comes my way.

[Above is me adapting to a new cuisine and new lifestyle when we moved to India]

Fire

Represents the energetic, forceful, moving things in the world. Associated with security, motivation, desire, intention, and an outgoing spirit.

[Above is the dhuni fire in India which consumes the attachments and desires that are offered by people and symbolizes surrender.]

Just like in real life, Fire and Water don’t complement each other. Since I am a lot like Water, I am very little like Fire. I am flowy, not proactive; I am peaceful, not forceful; I am more reserved than outgoing, but as a matter of fact, when it comes down to it, the deep fire in me may come out, whether in the form of adventurous or emotional spirit. After all, I am Hispanic, and it is in my DNA.

[Above is me and my husband riding a motorcycle in rural India]

Air

Represents things that grow, expand, and enjoy freedom of movement. Associated with will, elusiveness, evasiveness, benevolence, compassion, and wisdom.

[Above are the voladores de papantla hanging by their feet, spinning and dancing in the air to traditional music in Mexico City]

I have been a dancer a large part of my life, but my passion is in ballet which is a very strict form of movement, not quite much freedom in it, but nonetheless liberating. I relate to the Air’s compassion trait. Volunteering is one of the activities in life that brings me the most joy. Being selfless towards others cannot be compared to any other feeling.

[Above is me as a volunteer helping build a home with Habitat For Humanity]

These are my nominations:
Nomadic Panda
Santiago The Shepherd
Brittany From Boston
Rob Moses Photography
Wanderlust Nation