Everywhere: People: Susan Ranney

Reclining Buddha at Kumarakom uploaded on 25 May 2008

Buddha provides the ultimate model of relaxation at the Kumarakom Lake Resort in Kerala.

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Kumarakom Lake Resort in Kerala uploaded on 25 May 2008

Elephant showers will cool you off after a busy day strolling around the pond, luxuriating in the spa, and lounging by the pool.

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Kochi Fishing Nets uploaded on 25 May 2008

The fishing nets in Kochi are a prime tourist attraction. Thought to be brought by the Chinese centuries ago, these nets are grounded on shore and work on a complex system of rock-based counterweights.

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Malabar Guest House in Kochi uploaded on 25 May 2008

The Malabar Guest House in Kochi (Cochin), Kerala, India is centrally located yet provides a calm retreat.

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Flamingos on Parade uploaded on 24 May 2008

Open in May 2008, the Seattle Woodland Park Zoo’s new exhibit shows off over two dozen pink Chilean flamingos. When they flock together, which they seem always to do, they are a dazzling display – first heads all tucked down for a rest, then, as if on cue, all marching to and fro tapping out a complex and energetic choreography. When you’re done enjoying the flamingos’ antics, check out a few other naturalistic exhibits. Favorites include orangutans on the Trail of Vines, elephants in the Thai village, and giraffes on the African savanna.

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Periyar Tiger Reserve uploaded on 20 May 2008

A boat ride through Periyar Lake is a great way to spot wildlife - although you're unlikely to see a tiger.

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Masked Boobies: A Proud Only Child uploaded on 19 May 2008

It’s not surprising that Darwin was inspired by the Galapagos Islands; they provide incredible access to animal behavior. For example, the masked boobies (I’m talking about birds here) nest openly on the volcanic rocks on Espanola Island. Typically each couple lays two eggs about five days apart. Assuming both hatch, the older sibling forces the younger one out of the nest, claiming all the parental attention and resources for itself. I must say, as a second child, this siblicide makes me a little uncomfortable.

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Tikal National Park - The North Acropolis uploaded on 18 May 2008

Sitting in the stillness up on Temple II in Tikal National Park in Guatemala, it’s hard to imagine the bustling Mayan crowds and bright colors that adorned the powerful city-state 1200 years ago. Jungle now encroaches on the North Acropolis, in spite of the thorough excavations which began in the 1950s. It is a conglomeration of over 100 different temples and tombs built successively on top of each other over a 1000 year period, beginning well before the Common Era. The rows of stelae below document the great deeds of the rulers of Tikal.