Photographic Ode to Nature

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I love photography. And I love plants. I love trying to recreate a moment and show the beautiful elements of nature. This post is a collection of the delicate intricacies nature shows us in places I've traveled or lived.

Most of the photos are taken and edited by me, but also thanks to Diane Patterson for the beautiful Choquequirao shots (when I didn't have my camera).

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Peru

Cusco

Sacred San Pedro cactus.

My lotus succulent.

Flowers overlooking the city from Cristo Blanco.

My favorite flower in Peru. When
they're on their tree they look like little lanterns.

Furry plants ?

Corn in all colors and varieties. 

Urubamba

Sunkissed.

Choquequirao 

Pricelessly captured. By Diane Patterson

Delicate little fruity lanterns, Aguaymanto.
 By Diane Patterson

Morning trek into the mist. By Diane Patterson

Puerto Maldonado

Sacred spirals.

Quillabamba

A ruffle tree!

Coffee beans preparing themselves.

I connected with this plant because I make jewelry in similar designs.

Cacao pod - mmm chocolate!

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California

North Bay (Sonoma County)

Beautiful decay, Luter Burbanks Garden.

Mid-air splash, fountain in Chico.

Home plant.

Magnificent Oak.

Barnacles at Salmon Creek.

Berkeley

I liked this tree because it feels like it's on fire.

Peninsula Parks

My very favorite, the great Redwoods.

Treasures, lost and found.

He was looking like he wanted an acorn hat.

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Costa Rica

Bamboo is such an incredibly strong yet flexible root. I was amazed how it grows and bows down like this.

Rainbow Eucalyptus! I edited the colors
a bit but it's not far off from the real effect.

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Hawaii

Kona

This lava rock came from the island volcanoes
and covers the beaches, but careful - it's sharp!

Tiger orchids <3

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I hope you enjoyed! Have you ever seen any of these natural beauties?

 Stay tuned for another Photographic Ode to Animals . . .

A Cultural Bit: The Coca Leaf

Coca leaf and coca candy offering

The coca plant is an indigenous plant of the Andes, particularly in Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru. It has been used in ceremonies, as currency, and for various medicinal purposes over the years. The coca leaf can be added to hot water to drink as a tea, chewed, or chemically altered to form the drug we know as ´cocaine´. 

Cup of hot coca tea 

Common uses: 

-Coca often drinken as a tea to aid in high altitude sickness. While some people aren´t effected by this at all, those who do experience some symptoms can easily find this plant to help. Whereas the high altitude pills may have other symtoms, it may also be something to consider taking.(Altitude Sickness and Side Effects of Diamox)

-Coca is a stimulant, and may give similar effects like drinking coffee 

- Often workers chew the coca leaf to overcome hunger or thirst. Because of the active alkaloids, if coca leafs are chewed frequently, chewer´s teeth with maintain a bright whiteness.  

-Chewing coca leafs can also give off an anesthetic feeling. It may be used to relieve minor pains, such as head-, tooth- or backaches. 

-The coca leaf is also a great source of Calcium and Vitamin A.

Fun facts: 

Traces of coca have been found in mummies dating 3000 years back. Other evidence dates the communal chewing of coca with lime 8000 years back 

Coca Cola used small quantities of coca for its beverages until government policies changed in 1906.


More readings: 
Coca Leaf: Myths and Reality
Coca Leaves
The War on Coca Leaves Redux
The Wonders of the Coca Leaf