Where Rivers Meet, a photo from Punakha, West

Photographer's Note

A dzong is the Bhutanese name for a building which in other countries would be called a castle or a fortress. They were built as a means to govern and protect a region and each was the residence of the regional governor. A dzong is usually divided into two parts - a secular administrative section and a religious monastic section. Most of Bhutan's dzongs were severely damaged in the 1897 earthquake and were repaired or rebuilt in their original style. Many have also suffered disastrous fires caused by the use of butter lamps in temples. Traditionally dzongs are built with no architectural plans or drawings; the builders rely on a mental image of what is required. They are also said to be constructed using no nails.
Punakha Dzong stands at the confluence of two rivers the Mo Chhu (Mother River) and the Pho Chhu (Father River). Punakha served as Bhutan's capital for over 300 years and the first king was crowned here in 1907. The dzong and the surrounding area suffered severe damage in 1994 when a glacial lake far up in the Pho Chhu valley burst sending a flash flood downstream. The access bridge was washed away and the flood water was said to have reached to the top of the entry stairs and into the courtyard. While we were visiting the dzong work was progressing on replacing a traditional cantilever bridge

dta, Budapestman, williewhistler, sandpiper, vishaal, saxo042, daddo, InasiaJones has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

dta (95580) 2011-04-07 8:25

Hello Rosemary ,
What a great composition ! An so interesting to see a view of this not well known country . The building is beautiful , and included in a spnedid mountain landscape . The forecast weather adds to the mood .
Regards

lilito (3534) 2011-04-07 9:18

Bonsoir
Beau paysage doux, les couleurs sont encore hivernales mais on aperçoit l'imminence du printemps!
Lily

sacimar (36907) 2011-04-07 11:52

Hello Rosemary,

beautiful building in a beautiful place, I like this composition, the angle you chose is excellent following the river, well done,

Best regards,

Sergio

Budapestman (82620) 2011-04-07 13:21

Hi Rosemary,
a picturesque view with beautiful composition, the POV is very nice, the atmosphere of the photo is great, Tfs! Have a nice evening! Kellemes estét kívánok!
György

williewhistler (16606) 2011-04-07 13:35

Hello Rosemary,a most interesting shot of an impressive building,you have captured great depth in the receding mountain ranges.
Best wishes Les.

sandpiper (6788) 2011-04-07 15:10

Hi Rosemary

I enjoyed your note. Great image from an exotic location.

Chris

vishaal (1042) 2011-04-08 0:12

Hi Rosemary,
What a beautiful shot from you !
A wonderful place. An excellent composition with great sharpness and colors. Great BG of the Himalayas.

Regards,
Vishal.

saxo042 (38078) 2011-04-08 9:02

Hi Rosemary,
A very beautiful landscape and also highly interesting architecture. A very good note with this picture as well.
Kind regards
Gunnar

daddo (28698) 2011-04-09 5:19

Hi Rosemary. A vivid and bright vision from a remote part of the world. Great POV that allows us to admire the natural setting and the work of man. Lovely natural colours and excellent sharpness. regards. Klaudio.

wolf38 (30) 2011-04-09 8:45

Hi Rosemary. An impressive scene. At first I thought the building in a monastery. But now I read the informative text. The Photo is ideal for TE. Well done. Rgds, Wolfgang.

siolaw (38294) 2011-04-10 23:40

Hi Rosemary
Bhutan is a place I dream of since early 70's... It is now possible to go but, as you for sure know, it got quite an expensive trip! Nice view on the Dzong by the river with hilly background. Weather was not so helpful, but you have good colours and contrast level.
Greetings
Laurent

InasiaJones (31566) 2011-04-16 3:40

Hi Rosemary,

I've missed this gorgeous shot of Bhutan, very well composed with that river leading us into the frame. This building is remarkably beautiful and imposing and you've placed it well in its natural surrounding.

Cheers!

André

ilDottore (5252) 2011-04-26 10:28

Hi Rosemary,
Really impressive shot of this old building.
Wonderful landscape and unusual for Europeans architecture.
Natural colours, good light.
Greetings from Dublin!
Chris

pradnyabg (2) 2012-02-29 20:32

Hello Rosemary,

Truly impressive shot! What also struck me is the part of your note which says that they may have been built with no architectural plans or drawings!Congratulations on such a beautiful composition!

adidas5nb (5743) 2012-07-29 5:08

beautiful place and pic.