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DeDe's avatar

Thanks for taking me along the ride with you once again. I get so excited when I see you have posted another adventure. You never disappoint !!

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Laurel Ramey's avatar

Bless you, DeDe, I'm so glad, thank you!

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Carl Camembert Henn's avatar

Fabulous! I especially liked "the gentle muffled rhythm of drizzle against my hooded jacket, as it focuses on the sound of rain rather than the feel. Also, "A cow appeared" which, without any explanation, might imply that it appeared by magic or was transported there somehow... Keep writing!@

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Laurel Ramey's avatar

Thank you, Carl; I so appreciate your kind words and thoughtful feedback!

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Doug Korb's avatar

Wonderful! This is a place I want to visit! Your article reveals a trait of yours that may be more important than balance - presence. You can control for preparation but not for magic; but presence allows for both. Fantastic pictures too!

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Laurel Ramey's avatar

What an insightful observation, Doug. Presence, that’s a wonderful word I will keep close, thank you!

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Robinchurch2096's avatar

Another Home Run! I so want to go there and I hope it is with you my friend!

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Laurel Ramey's avatar

Dear Robin! Thank you, I hope so, too!

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Peter Sands's avatar

Absolutely beautiful. It is such a joy to read your writings. I am so glad that David introduced me to you. Please keep it up. I know how hard it must be trying to hold down a job like a pilot and still trying to pursue your photographic and writing career.

Thank you ❤️

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Laurel Ramey's avatar

Thank you so much, Peter. Your thoughtful comments are always a joy to read, thank you for sharing them. ❤️

I'm definitely learning about balance right now, but it's been unbelievably rewarding, AND look at all of the great people I'm getting a chance to 'talk' with!

Many thanks to David!

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David Michie's avatar

Beautifully atmospheric. And the images and words pair wonderfully. Thanks so much for sharing, Laurel!

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Laurel Ramey's avatar

Hugs to you, David, thank you so much!

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Sarah Twala's avatar

This is so evocative. I was transported there. Thank you.

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Laurel Ramey's avatar

Thank you so much, Sarah!

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Dötte's avatar

I am glad you went back to see the island without fog. Fantastic! Thank you for sharing.

I am interested in the Mindful Safari in 2026. Being a Mindful Practitioner, I was with you all the way - breathing-.

Thank you! Keep on writing 🌸

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Laurel Ramey's avatar

Hi Dötte! I so appreciate that, thank you!

I didn't realize you were a practitioner; that's wonderful. I'm excited that you're interested in Mindful Safari - the experience was unforgettable, and it introduced me to a depth of practice that I hadn't experienced before. David is a wonderful teacher!

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Bennie's avatar

Hi Laurel! Thanks for taking me with you on this wonderful journey! Makes we want to see this beautiful city! I hope all is well with you.

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Laurel Ramey's avatar

Bennie! Hi, it's so good to see you! Thank you so much for your kind comments.

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Jeff Greenwald's avatar

This is such a brilliant post, on so many levels. I feel like I'm there with you in the cockpit, flying those last few miles toward Hong Kong as dawn breaks (an airport I've seen many times from the air, but never from your perspective!). And then your visit to Lantau, And the utterly mesmerizing images of the gate and warriors in the fog. The ghostly apparition of the enormous Buddha, gesturing through the thick mist, is so enchanting that I might have to put it on my wall. For me it illustrates both the mystical power of the Buddha and the very nature of impermanence. It also reminds me of the quote that opens my first book, "Mr. Raja's Neighborhood" — something my then-partner said on a trek in Nepal. As we slogged over a completely fogged-in mountain pass that was supposed to afford spectacular views, I expressed my disappointment. The unflappable Teri looked at me and said, “For every mountain missed, there is a mountain scene.” It took a while for the four possible meanings of her genius observation to sink in. Your post is truly the embodiment of her long-ago observation.

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Laurel Ramey's avatar

Dear Jeff! Thank you so much for your comments; that means a great deal to me. It's fascinating, because I didn't have that awareness the first time, except that it was magical enough that the experience stayed with me -- almost like a gift that would come to fruition later. I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

I love your description of the mountain pass and Teri's insightful comment in 'Mr. Raja's Neighborhood. Thank you for sharing that. My reading list is getting longer!!!

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